CLIP

Abstract

In a clamp 34, a first and a second fastening section 36, 38 are connected by a connecting section 40 in an open state, in which a seat back spring 30 is able to pass between the first and the second fastening sections 36, 38 in the radial direction of the seat back spring 30. The first and the second fastening sections 36, 38 pivot in directions that generate mutual engagement. The first fastening section 36 is formed with a first insertion section 42, and the second fastening section is formed with a second insertion section 44. The seat back spring 30 can accordingly be inserted between the connecting section 40 and either the first insertion section 42 or the second insertion section 44.In this insertion state, the seat back spring 30 is held in the clamp 34 by bringing an engagement claw 54 of the first fastening section 36 into engagement with a circumferential edge section of an engagement hole 64 of the second fastening section 38, thereby enabling fixation to a fastening section of a lower frame.

Description

BACKGROUND Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp for holding a held element such as a wire on a fastening target element such as a frame. Related technology

[0002] A clamp described in U.S. Patent No. 5762397 is an example of a known clamp of this type. This clamp has a fastening section for securing a held element, such as a wire, and a pair of leg sections extending from the fastening section. The held element, such as a wire, is inserted into the fastening section, and the pair of leg sections is inserted into a hole formed in the fastening target element, such as a frame.

[0003] When a rigid, held element, such as a metal wire, is inserted into the fastening section of the clamp according to US Patent No. 5762397, it is necessary to push the pair of leg sections apart in different directions so that the held element can pass between them. Therefore, the workability when fastening the held element is impaired. SUMMARY

[0004] Taking the above circumstances into account, a clamp is obtained that is capable of improving the processability when fastening a held element.

[0005] A clamp according to a first aspect has: a first fastening section that can be inserted into an opening section formed on a fastening target element; a second fastening section that can be inserted into the opening section in a state in which the first fastening section and the second fastening section are engaged; a connecting section that connects the first fastening section and the second fastening section in an open state in which an elongated, held element is able to pass between the first fastening section and the second fastening section and which allows the first fastening section and the second fastening section to pivot in directions that generate mutual engagement;an insertion section formed at least at the first fastening section or the second fastening section, which allows the held element to be inserted between the connecting section and at least the first fastening section or the second fastening section; an engagement section formed at the first fastening section or the second fastening section; and an engagement target section formed at the other, the first fastening section or the second fastening section, which is capable of engaging with the engagement section; wherein the insertion section and the connecting section between them hold the held element in a state in which the first fastening section and the second fastening section are engaged with each other through the engagement section and the engagement target section.

[0006] In the clamp according to the first aspect, when the clamp is not in use, the first fastening section and the second fastening section are connected to each other by the connecting section in an open state in which the elongated, held element is able to pass between the first fastening section and the second fastening section. In this state, the held element is inserted between the connecting element and the insertion section(s) formed at least on the first fastening section or the second fastening section (the first fastening section or the second fastening section, or both the first fastening section and the second fastening section).Subsequently, while the connecting section acts as a pivot joint, the first and second fastening sections pivot in directions that generate mutual engagement, and the engagement section formed on the first or second fastening section is caused to engage with the target engagement section formed on the other, the first or second fastening section. This allows the held element to be held between them by the insertion section(s) and the connecting section. The first and second fastening sections are then inserted into the opening in a snap-fit ​​position achieved through mutual engagement.This eliminates the need to push the first and second fastening sections apart in different directions, and the held element can be inserted between the insertion section(s) and the connecting section while the held element is held in the clamp. As a result, the processability when fastening the held element is improved.

[0007] In a clamp according to a second aspect, the held element is linear; and the clamp further comprises elastic leg sections formed at the first fastening section or at the second fastening section, which are capable of elastically engaging in a circumferential edge section of the opening section.

[0008] In the case of the clamp according to the second aspect, when the first fastening section and the second fastening section are inserted into the opening section, the elastic leg sections formed on the first fastening section and the second fastening section elastically engage with the circumferential edge section of the opening. The first fastening element and the second fastening element are thereby secured to the opening formed on the fastening target element.

[0009] A third aspect is the clamp either according to the first aspect or the second aspect, with the insertion section being formed at both the first fastening section and the second fastening section.

[0010] In the case of the clamp according to the third aspect, if the held element is held in the clamp, the held element can be inserted between the connecting section and the insertion section, which is easier to work with, from the insertion section formed at the first fastening section and the insertion section formed at the second fastening section. This further improves the workability when fastening the held element.

[0011] A fourth aspect is the clamp according to one of aspects one to three, wherein a length of the insertion section along a direction of an axial line of the held element is greater than a length of the connecting section along the direction of the axial line of the held element.

[0012] In the clamp according to the fourth aspect, when the held element is held in the clamp, the held element is supported by the insertion section, the length of which along the axial line is greater than that of the connecting section. The held element can therefore be kept in a stable state, and the workability when fastening the held element is further improved.

[0013] A fifth aspect is the clamp according to one of aspects one to four, wherein the engagement section is an engagement claw capable of elastic deformation, and the engagement target section is an engagement hole into which the engagement claw is capable of engaging.

[0014] In the clamp design described in the fifth aspect, a click sensation is achieved by the engagement claw, formed either on the first or second fastening section, engaging with the circumferential edge of the engagement hole, which is formed on the other fastening section. The engagement of the claw with the circumferential edge of the engagement hole can thus be confirmed, making the engagement process more reliable. Furthermore, the held element does not detach from the clamp during the process, as the engagement claw engages with the circumferential edge of the engagement hole to achieve a snap-in position. The ease of processing when fastening the held element is therefore further improved.

[0015] Due to the above design, the clamp, according to the first aspect, enables an improvement in processability when fastening the held element.

[0016] Due to the above design, the clamp, according to the second aspect, allows for a further improvement in processability when fastening the held element.

[0017] Due to the above design, the clamp, according to the third aspect, allows for a further improvement in processability when fastening the held element.

[0018] Due to the above design, the clamp, according to the fourth aspect, allows for a further improvement in processability when fastening the held element.

[0019] Due to the above design, the clamp, according to the fifth aspect, allows for a further improvement in processability when fastening the held element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] An exemplary embodiment is described in detail with reference to the following figures; they show:

[0021] Fig. 1 a front view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment, viewed along an axial line;

[0022] Fig. 2 a front view accordingly Fig. 1 showing an operating state of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 3. A side view along the direction of the arrow 3 in Fig. 1;

[0024] Fig. 4. A top view along the direction of the arrow 4 in Fig. 1;

[0025] Fig. 5 a perspective view showing an operational state of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0026] Fig. 6 A schematic view showing a seat back frame equipped with a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment, viewed from the front of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following is an explanation of a bracket according to an exemplary embodiment with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. Note that in Fig. 6 The arrow UP indicates the upward direction of a vehicle seat (seat) to which the clamp is attached, and IN indicates the direction in width within the vehicle seat.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in 6, the vehicle seat 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment with a seat cushion (not shown in the drawings) on which an occupant sits, and a seat backrest 12 , which form part of the back of the person in the vehicle seat 10 supports seated occupants, provided.

[0029] A seat back frame 14 representational frame of the seat back 12 is on an inner section of the seat back 12 provided. The seat back frame 14 has a left and a right side frame 16 and 18 , an upper frame 20 , which is located between the upper ends of the left and right side frames 16 and 18 extends, and a lower frame 22 , which is located between the lower ends of the left and right side frames 16 and 18 extends.

[0030] A seat back spring 30 , which is formed from a metal wire or the like and serves as a hard held element (linear element), is, both end sections 20A of the upper frame 20 and both end sections 22A of the lower frame 22 Spanning, planned. Upper end sections. 30A the seat back spring30 are at both end sections 20A of the upper frame 20 about nozzles 32 fastened. Lower sections 30B the seat back spring 30 are at both end sections 22A of the lower frame 22 via the respective brackets 34 attached according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0031] A seat back shell 37 is over brackets 35 on the seat back spring 30 fixed. Design of the bracket

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in 2, the brackets are 34 the present exemplary embodiment capable of circular opening sections 25 (for example, through holes) to be placed on a fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 , which serves as a fastening target element, is formed (by drilling or punching). Note that, as in Fig. 6 shown, the fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 formed by a vertical surface running along the upward / downward direction of the seat.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in 1, each of the brackets has 34 a first fastening section 36 , which is in the opening section 25 pluggable (see Fig. 2), and a second fastening section 38 , which is in the opening section 25 in a state in which it is in the first fastening section 36 intervenes (the state in Fig. 2) is pluggable. The first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 are connected by a section 40 interconnected.

[0034] The connecting section 40 is strip-shaped (band-shaped) and has a terminal section 40A of which with a flanged section36A of the first fastening section 36 connected and via another end section 40B of which with a flanged section 38A of the second fastening section 38 connected. The connecting section 40 connects the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 together in an open state, in which the seat back spring 30 is capable of moving in a radial direction of the seat back spring 30 (the direction of arrow B in Fig. 1) between the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 to pass through. As in Fig. As shown in 1, the connecting section therefore connects 40 the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 together in positions where the first section of the fortification 36 and the second fastening section38 are opened at 90° (at a right angle). The connecting section 40 is capable of elastic deformation and connects the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 so that they are aligned in one direction towards each other (in the directions of arrows A in Fig. 1) are swivel-capable.

[0035] A first insertion section 42 , which serves as an insertion section, is, from the flange 36A of the first fastening section 36 essentially in the direction of the connecting section 40 (below in Fig. 1) Projecting, formed. The first insertion section 42 is essentially an inner circumferential surface of the connecting section 40 facing, and an insertion area 42A of the first insertion section 42is defined as a circular arc-shaped, concave surface corresponding to an outer circumferential surface of the seat back spring 30 formed. The seat back spring 30 can therefore be used on the insertion surface 42A can be used while the insertion area 42A is in a state in which the insertion surface 42A is directed vertically upwards.

[0036] A second insertion section 44 , which serves as an insertion section, is, from the flange 38A of the second fastening section 38 essentially in the direction of the connecting section 40 (right in Fig. 1) Projecting, formed. The second insertion section 44 is essentially the inner circumferential surface of the connecting section 40 facing, and an insertion area 44A of the second insertion section 44is defined as a circular arc-shaped, concave surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the seat back spring. 30 formed. The seat back spring 30 can therefore be used on the insertion surface 44A can be used while the insertion area 44A is in a state in which the insertion surface 44A is directed vertically upwards (the state in Fig. 1).

[0037] As in Fig. 2 shows intermediate sections in a longitudinal direction (intermediate sections in a left-right direction in Fig. 2) of the connecting section 40 on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting section 40 Protrusions 46 and 48 formed so that they are spaced a certain distance apart along the length of the connecting section 40 (the left-right direction in Fig. 2) to protrude. The protrusions 46 and 48are designed so that they each fit against the outer circumferential surface of the seat back spring 30 bump.

[0038] In a state of mutual engagement of the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 , as in Fig. As shown in section 5, the first insertion section is achieved. 42 and the second insertion section 44 into a state in which they move along one direction of an axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 are connected. A length L1 of an entire insertion section, which is formed by connecting the first insertion section. 42 and the second insertion section 44 arises along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 is greater than a length L2 of the connecting section 40 along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 (L1 > L2).

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in section 1, this is done on a section of the first fastening section. 36 , where the flange section 36A and the first insertion section 42 are connected, a first plug section 50 , in one direction to the opposite side of the connecting section 40 to (to the right in) Fig. 1) projecting, formed so that it is perpendicular to the flange section 36A and the first insertion section 42 The first section of the plug is standing. 50 is equipped with an intervention wall section 52 , which in a direction of intervention (downwards into Fig. 1) protrudes, formed. The intervention wall section 52 is treated with an intervention claw 54 , which serves as the intervention section.

[0040] A leadership end 50A of the first plug section 50 is equipped with an elastic leg section 56formed, pointing in a direction that is the same as that of the wall penetration section 52 is opposite. The elastic leg section 56 is subject to elastic deformation in one direction on the first plug section 50 able to (approach it) and move away from it, while a basic section 56A of the elastic leg section 56 It serves as a pivot joint. A guide end section 56B of the elastic leg section 56 is for elastic intervention in the opening section 25 (see Fig. 2) of the fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 capable.

[0041] On a section of the second fortification section 38 , where the flange section 38A and the second insertion section 44 are connected by a second plug section 60 , in one direction to the opposite side of the connecting section40 to (downwards in) Fig. 1) projecting, formed so that it is perpendicular to the flange section 38A and the second insertion section 44 The second section of the plug is standing. 60 is equipped with an intervention target protrusion section 62 , which in a direction of intervention (to the right in Fig. 1) protrudes, formed. The intervention target protrusion section 62 is accessed via an access hole 64 , which serves as the intervention target section.

[0042] A leadership end 60A of the second plug section 60 is equipped with an elastic leg section 66 formed, pointing in a direction that is the same as that of the intervention target protrusion section 62 is opposite. The elastic leg section 66 is subject to elastic deformation in one direction onto the second plug section 60able to (approach it) and move away from it, while a basic section 66A of the elastic leg section 66 It serves as a pivot joint. A guide end section 66B of the elastic leg section 66 is for elastic intervention in the opening section 25 (see Fig. 2) of the fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 capable.

[0043] If the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 in mutually interfering directions (the directions of arrows A in Fig. 1) When swiveling, the engagement claw engages 54 through the elastically deformed access hole 64 and then recovers in such a way that the intervention claw 54 into a circumferential edge section of the intervention hole 64 intervenes, as in Fig. 2 shown. The first insertion section 42 , the second insertion section44 and the connecting section 40 holding (grasping or pinching) the seat back spring in between. 30 in a snap-in state in which the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 through the intervention claw 54 and the access hole 64 are interlocking. Mode of operation and beneficial effects

[0044] The following is an explanation of how the present exemplary embodiment works.

[0045] As in Fig. Shown in 1, are in a state of non-use of the bracket 34 of the present exemplary embodiment, the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 through the connecting section 40 in an open state (positions opened by 90°), in which the seat back spring 30 is capable of moving in the radial direction of the seat back spring30 (the direction of arrow B in Fig. 1) to pass through, connected to each other. In this state, the seat back spring 30 between the connecting section 40 and either the one at the first fastening section 36 formed, first insertion section 42 or the one on the second fastening section 38 formed, second insertion section 44 used.

[0046] Subsequently, during the connecting section 40 The first fastening section acts as a swivel joint 36 and the second fastening section 38 in the directions that generate mutual interference (the directions of arrows A in Fig. 1) swiveled, and those attached to the first fastening section 36 formed intervention claw 54 will be, as in Fig. 2 shown, caused to in the circumferential edge section of the second fastening section 38formed intervention hole 64 to intervene. This allows the seat back spring to 30 between the first insertion section 42 , the second insertion section 44 and the connecting section 40 is held (grasped or pinched).

[0047] Subsequently, in an intervention state, the first fastening section is 36 and the second fastening section 38 in the fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 formed, circular opening section 25 used. When this is done, the person at the first fastening section will experience 36 formed, elastic leg section 56 and the one on the second fastening section 38 formed, elastic leg section 66 an elastic deformation and pass through the opening section 25, and then recover in such a way that the leading end section 56B of the elastic leg section 56 and the final section of the guide 66B of the elastic leg section 66 into the circumferential edge section of the opening section 25 of the lower frame 22 intervene. This involves the process of attaching the seat back spring. 30 on the lower frame 22 completed.

[0048] Accordingly, the bracket 35 of the present exemplary embodiment during the process of attaching the seat back spring 30 at the fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 no need to remove the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 to push apart in different directions (contrary to the directions of arrows A in Fig. 1) to adjust the seat back spring 30 in the brackets34 to hold. Furthermore, if the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 in the open state (the positions in Fig. 1) are located in which the seat back spring 30 is capable of moving in the radial direction of the seat back spring 30 (the direction of arrow B in Fig. 1), as indicated by the double-dashed, broken line in Fig. 1 shown, to step through, the seat back spring 30 between the connecting section 40 and either the first insertion section 42 or the second insertion section 44 This will be used. This improves the workability when attaching the seat back spring. 30 on the lower frame 22 improved.

[0049] At the bracket 34 The present exemplary embodiment can, if the seat back spring 30 in the brackets 34is held by the seat back spring 30 between the connecting section 40 and the insertion section, which is easier to work with, from the first fastening section 36 formed insertion section 42 and the second fastening section 38 formed insertion section 44 This will be used. This improves the workability when attaching the seat back spring. 30 on the lower frame 22 further improved.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in 5, the bracket 34 In the present exemplary embodiment, the length L1 of the entire insertion section is determined by connecting the first insertion section. 42 and the second insertion section 44 arises along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 greater than the length L2 of the connecting section 40along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 (L1 > L2). Accordingly, when the seat back spring 30 in the brackets 34 is held by the seat back spring 30 from the first insertion section 42 and from the second insertion section 44 , whose length L1 in the axial direction is greater than the length L2 of the connecting section 40 is carried in the axial direction. As a result, the seat back spring 30 in the brackets 34 be kept in a stable state, and the workability when attaching the seat back spring 30 on the lower frame 22 will be further improved.

[0051] Note that possibly only the first insertion section 42 or the second insertion section 44 is formed as a substitution section. For example, if only the first substitution section 42When formed, it is possible that a length L1 of the first insertion section 42 along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 greater than the length L2 of the connecting section 40 along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 (L1 > L2) is.

[0052] At the bracket 34 In the present exemplary embodiment, a click sensation can be obtained by the fact that the first fastening section 36 formed intervention claw 54 , which are located in the circumferential edge section of the intervention hole 64 intervenes at the second fastening section 38 is formed. The intervention of the intervention claw. 54 into the circumferential edge section of the access hole 64 This can therefore be confirmed, allowing for more reliable intervention. Furthermore, as in Fig.2 shown, the seat back spring 30 not during the process from the clamp 34 , since the intervention claw 54 into the circumferential edge section of the access hole 64 engages to achieve a locking position. The workability when attaching the seat back spring. 30 at the fastening section 24 of the lower frame 22 will be further improved accordingly. Further exemplary embodiments

[0053] A specific exemplary embodiment has been explained in detail above; however, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above, and it would be clear to a person skilled in the art that various other exemplary embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the exemplary embodiment described above, the bracket 34for attaching the seat back spring, which serves as a held element 30 on the lower frame, which serves as a fastening target element 22 applied. However, the held element is not applied to the seat back spring. 30 limited, and a design can possibly be achieved with other held elements such as a wire. Furthermore, the fastening target element is not limited to the lower frame. 22 limited, and a design may possibly include other fastening elements such as the upper frame 20 be brought about.

[0054] At the bracket 34 In the exemplary embodiment described above, the first fastening section 36 and the second fastening section 38 through the connecting section 40 connected at points open at 90°. However, there is no restriction to an angle of 90° as long as the first fastening section36 and the second fastening section 38 are in an open state in which the seat back spring 30 is able to move in the radial direction between the seat back spring 30 to pass through.

[0055] At the bracket 34 In the exemplary embodiment described above, the first insertion section 42 at the first fastening section 36 formed, and the second insertion section 44 will be at the second fastening section 38 formed. Alternatively, a design may be possible in which an insertion section is only attached to the first fastening part. 36 or on the second fastening part 38 is formed.

[0056] At the bracket 34 In the exemplary embodiment described above, the length L1 of the entire insertion section is formed by connecting the first insertion section. 42and the second insertion section 44 arises along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 greater than the length L2 of the connecting section 40 along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 (L1 > L2). Alternatively, the length L1 of the entire insertion section can be determined along the direction of the axial line. 30C the seat back spring 30 and the length L2 of the connecting section 40 along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 They may be equal to each other (L1 = L2). Furthermore, the length L1 of the entire insertion section can be along the direction of the axial line. 30C the seat back spring 30 possibly smaller than the length L2 of the connecting section 40 along the direction of the axial line 30C the seat back spring 30 be (L1 < L2).

[0057] At the bracket 34 In the exemplary embodiment described above, the engagement section is formed by the engagement claw. 54 depicted, and the intervention target section is shown through the intervention hole. 64 depicted; however, the intervention section and the intervention target section are not shown on the intervention claw. 54 and the access hole 64 not limited, but other configurations may be applied.

[0058] The clamp according to the invention can be used in places other than on a vehicle seat. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0059] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0060] US 5762397 [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] bracket, showing: a first fastening section that can be inserted into an opening section formed on a fastening target element; a second fastening section that can be inserted into the opening section in a state in which the first fastening section and the second fastening section are engaged; a connecting section that connects the first fastening section and the second fastening section in an open state in which an elongated, held element is able to pass between the first fastening section and the second fastening section and which allows the first fastening section and the second fastening section to pivot in mutually engaging directions; an insertion section formed at least at the first fastening section or at the second fastening section, which makes it possible to insert the held element between the connecting section and at least the first fastening section or the second fastening section; an engagement section formed at the first fastening section or at the second fastening section; and an intervention target section that is formed on the other, the first fastening section or the second fastening section, and that is capable of intervening in the intervention section; wherein the insertion section and the connecting section between them hold the held element in a state in which the first fastening section and the second fastening section are engaged with each other through the engagement section and the engagement target section. [2] Bracket according to claim 1, wherein: the held element is a linear element; and The clamp further comprises elastic leg sections formed at the first fastening section or at the second fastening section, which are capable of elastically engaging in a circumferential edge section of the opening section. [3] Clamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion section is formed on both the first fastening section and the second fastening section. [4] Bracket after one of sections 1–3, wherein a length of the insertion section along a direction of an axial line of the held element is greater than a length of the connecting section along the direction of the axial line of the held element. [5] Clamp according to one of claims 1–4, wherein the engagement section is an engagement claw capable of elastic deformation and the engagement target section is an engagement hole into which the engagement claw is capable of engaging.