Connecting element and method for producing a connecting element

Abstract

A connecting element (1) comprises: a base (2) with a hole (21) extending in a thickness direction; a hook with a shank (31) connected to the base (2) and a curved section (32) bent from the shank (31), the hook and the base (2) defining a hook space (S) extending between them in the thickness direction; and a spring (4) connected to the shank (31), wherein the base (2), the hook (3), and the spring (4) are formed in one piece using a resin material, the spring (4) comprising: an arc-shaped curved section (41) that overlaps the base (2) in the thickness direction and is arranged along an edge of the hole (21); and an extension section (42) that extends to connect one end of the curved section (41) to the shank (31).and a cover (43) connected to the other end of the curved section (41), wherein the cover (43) is movable between a closed position in which an opening (SA) of the hook space (S) is closed and an open position in which the opening (SA) is open, the opening (SA) being defined between the distal end (323) of the curved section (32) and the base (2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element that connects a plurality of objects and to a manufacturing method for the connecting element. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Typically, there is a connecting element that connects a multitude of objects together, the connecting element comprising a base to which one of the objects is attached, a hook to which the other object is attached, and a spring that elastically opens or closes an opening of the hook (see e.g. patent literature 1).

[0003] The connecting element described in patent specification 1 comprises a housing element that includes the base and a ring element that includes the hook and the spring. A thin section is formed in the spring of the ring element. The elastic deformation of this thin section causes the opening of the hook to open or close. The housing element accommodates the thin section of the ring element, thereby ensuring the strength of the connecting element. CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE(S)

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-2389 A SUMMARY OF THE PROBLEM(S) THAT THE INVENTION IS INTENDED TO SOLVE (EN)

[0005] In general, a typical connecting element is formed by a combination of several resin elements, as described in patent literature 1, or is formed with a metal material to ensure the strength of the connecting element, while the opening of the hook can be elastically opened or closed.

[0006] However, a case where the fastener is formed from a combination of resin elements is associated with high assembly costs. If the fastener is made of a metal material, the material costs are high.

[0007] One objective of the invention is to provide a connecting element suitable for ensuring strength and which can be integrally formed using a resin material, as well as a manufacturing method for the connecting element. MEANS TO SOLVENT THE PROBLEM(S)

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a connecting element comprises: a base with a hole extending in a thickness direction; a hook with a shank connected to the base and a curved section bent from the shank, the hook and base defining a hook space extending between them in the thickness direction; and a spring connected to the shank, wherein the base, hook, and spring are formed in one piece using a resin material, the spring comprising: an arc-shaped curved section overlapping the base in the thickness direction and arranged along an edge of the hole; and an extension section extending to connect one end of the curved section to the shank.and a cover connected to the other end of the curved section, wherein the cover is movable between a closed position in which an opening of the hook space is closed and an open position in which the opening is open, the opening being defined between the distal end of the curved section and the base.

[0009] In the configuration described above, the base, hook, and spring can be integrally formed from a resin material to create the connecting element. The spring can reliably have a large length, extending from the extension section through the bent section to the cover. In this configuration, the spring can also be elastically deformed without forming a typical thin section to move the cover between the closed and open positions. The bent section of the spring is arranged to overlap the base in the thickness direction and is therefore protected from the outside by the base. Thus, according to the exemplary arrangement of the invention, a connecting element is provided that is suitable for ensuring strength and that can be integrally formed using a resin material.

[0010] In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the base comprises: a body facing the bent section in the thickness direction; and a projection extending from the body in the thickness direction towards the bent section, wherein when the cover is in the closed position, there is a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the bent section and the projection, and when the cover is in the open position, the inner circumferential surface of the bent section is in contact with the projection.

[0011] In the configuration above, the projection can support the curved section without unnecessarily hindering the movement of the spring, thereby improving the strength of the connecting element.

[0012] In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the projection has an arcuate outer circumferential surface suitable for contacting the inner circumferential surface of the curved section.

[0013] In the configuration above, the projection can support a larger area of ​​the curved section, further improving the strength of the connecting element.

[0014] In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the base has a ring shape with a cutout that connects the hole to the hook space.

[0015] In the configuration above, an object to be attached can pass through the hook space and the cutout into the hole in the base. This allows the object to be easily attached to the base.

[0016] In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the base comprises: a base end that is connected to the shaft; and a distal end that is provided opposite the base end via the cutout and is opposite the hook space.

[0017] In the above configuration, the object to be attached can be easily positioned in relation to the cutout by bringing it into contact with the distal end of the base as the object is moved from the hook space to the cutout.

[0018] In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the extension section is connected to an outer surface of the shaft opposite the hook space.

[0019] In the configuration described above, the spring is positioned along one edge of the base's hole, outside the shaft. This allows for a reliably long spring length while preventing interference between the spring and the shaft. This facilitates the opening and closing of the cover.

[0020] In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the cover has an engagement section which can engage with the distal end of the curved section, and that a dimension in the thickness direction of the engagement section is larger than a dimension in the thickness direction of the curved section.

[0021] In the above configuration, the intervention strength between the intervention section and the distal end of the curved section can be improved.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a manufacturing method for the connecting element according to the above aspect comprises the following steps: integrally molding a molded product using a resin material, wherein the molded product comprises the base, the hook, and the spring, the curved section being positioned offset from an outer circumference of the base when viewed in the thickness direction; and after molding, assembling the connecting element, comprising elastically deforming the spring so that the curved section overlaps the base in the thickness direction, and engaging the cover with the distal end of the curved section. According to such a manufacturing method, the connecting element described above can be suitably manufactured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a front view of a connecting element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a rear view of the connecting element according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along an AA line in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of the connecting element according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connecting element according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a rear view of the connecting element in use according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along a BB line in Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is a front view of the connecting element in an unassembled state according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of the connecting element in use according to the exemplary embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE FORM(S)

[0023] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] The Fig. Figures 1 to 9 show a connecting element 1 according to the exemplary embodiment. This connecting element 1, which connects a plurality of objects, comprises a base 2 to which a (e.g., a first ring 91 in Fig. 9) the objects can be attached, a hook 3, on which the other (e.g. a second ring 92 in Fig. 9) the objects can be attached, and a spring 4 that opens or closes an opening SA in a hook space S.

[0025] In the following description, a thickness direction (front-back direction) of the fastener 1 is defined as a Z-direction. A front side of the fastener 1 is defined as a +Z-side, and a back side of the fastener 1 as a -Z-side. A direction orthogonal to the Z-direction and representing a longitudinal direction of the fastener 1 is called the Y-direction. A direction orthogonal to both the Y-direction and the Z-direction and representing a width direction (right-left direction) of the fastener 1 is defined as the X-direction. One side of the width direction of the fastener 1 is defined as a +X-side, and the other side of the width direction of the fastener 1 as a -X-side. A plane orthogonal to the Z-direction is called the XY-plane. Configuration of connector 1

[0026] A configuration of the connecting element 1 is determined based on the Fig. Sections 1 to 5 are described. The base 2, the hook 3, and the spring 4, which form the connecting element 1, are molded in one piece from a resin material, such as synthetic resin. The following description refers to a state in which the spring 4 closes the opening SA of the hook space S.

[0027] The base 2 has a ring shape with a hole 21 and a cutout 22, both of which extend in the Z-direction, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the hole 21 as essentially circular in shape. The cutout 22 has a tapered shape with a width decreasing towards the hole 21 and connects an interior space with an exterior space in relation to the hole 21. This annular base 2 comprises: a base end 23, to which the hook 3 is connected, and a distal end 24, which is opposite the base end 23 across the cutout 22.

[0028] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base 2 also includes: a body 25 which faces the spring 4 in the Z direction; and a projection 26 which extends from the body 25 in the Z direction towards the spring 4 (towards the -Z side).

[0029] The body 25 has the shape of a ring in which the hole 21 and the cutout 22 are formed as described above. The body 25 has a side surface 251 that faces the spring 4 in the Z-direction.

[0030] The projection 26, similar to the body 25, has a ring shape with the hole 21 and the cutout 22, which are formed as described above, and projects from an edge of the hole 21 of the body 25 towards the -Z side. The projection 26 has an outer circumferential surface 261 in an arc in the XY plane. The projection 26 also has a convex section 262 that projects radially outwards from the outer circumferential surface 261 at the distal end 24 of the base 2.

[0031] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the hook 3 comprises: a shaft 31 connected to the base 2 and a section 32 curved from the shaft 31. The hook 3 and the base 2 define the hook space S, which lies between them in the Z-direction. The hook space S is a space within the hook 3 into which an object can be inserted in the Z-direction.

[0032] The shaft 31 is connected to the base end 23 of the base 2 (in particular to the body 25 and the projection 26 of the base end 23 of the base 2) and extends in a direction away from the base 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the shaft 31 is arranged in a direction that is orthogonal to the Z-direction and slightly inclined with respect to the Y-direction.

[0033] The curved section 32 comprises: a base part 321, which is connected to one end of the shaft 31 opposite the base 2 and extends in a curve to one side (-X-side) of the X-direction; and a locking part 322, which extends in a direction approaching the base 2 from the base part 321. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking part 322 is arranged along the Y-direction. A distal end of the locking part 322 is a distal end 323 of the curved section 32. The distal end 323 and the base 2 define the opening SA of the intervening hook space S.

[0034] The locking part 322 is designed such that a cover 43 of the spring 4, described later, can engage with the locking part 322. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the bar section 322 has a rod 324 connected to the base section 321 and a curved section 325 connected to the rod 324. A dimension in the Z-direction of both the rod 324 and the curved section 325 is smaller than a dimension in the Z-direction of the base section 321. The dimension in the Z-direction of the curved section 325 is larger than the dimension in the Z-direction of the rod 324. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a +X-side surface of the locking part 322 is inclined with respect to the Y-direction, and the length of the locking part 322 in the X-direction gradually decreases towards the distal end 323.

[0035] Spring 4 is a U-shaped leaf spring, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown as a whole. In particular, the spring 4 has an arc-shaped bent section 41 that overlaps the base 2 in the Z direction and is arranged along the edge of the hole 21, an extension section 42 that extends to connect one end of the bent section 41 to the shaft 31, and the cover 43 that is connected to the other end of the bent section 41.

[0036] The curved section 41 overlaps the body 25 of the base 2 in the Z-direction. In particular, the curved section 41 is, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the curved section 41 in contact with the side surface 251 of the body 25 in the Z-direction and is displaceable along the side surface 251. Furthermore, the curved section 41, as shown in Figure 3, is in contact with the side surface 251 of the body 25 in the Z-direction and is displaceable along the side surface 251. Fig. Figure 2 shows the curved section 41, which surrounds the outer circumferential surface 261 of the projection 26 over half its circumference. The curved section 41 has an inner circumferential surface 411 in an arc in the XY plane.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the curved section 41 can be arranged such that a part of it projects beyond the body 25 when viewed in the Z direction. The curved section 41 can be arranged without contact with the side surface 251 of the body 25, i.e., a gap can be present between the curved section 41 and the side surface 251.

[0038] The extension section 42 is connected to an outer side surface 311 of the shaft 31, which is opposite the hook space S. The extension section 42 projects from the outer side surface 311 of the shaft 31. An acute-angled gap is formed between the extension section 42 and the shaft 31.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the curved section 41 and the extension section 42 have their respective Z-direction dimensions that approximately correspond to the projection 26 of the base 2 and are located in the same area as the projection 26 in the Z-direction. The extension section 42 has a thick section 421 that projects from the extension section 42 in the +Z direction and is connected to the shaft 31. The extension section 42 is supported by the operator's fingers when the operator deforms the cover 43 to bend it toward the side of the hook space S (-X side). At this point, the thick section 421 moves in conjunction with the extension section 42 to ensure a wide contact area with the fingers.

[0040] The cover 43 is pivotally mounted on the curved section 41. Due to the elastic deformation of the spring 4, the cover 43 can move between the closed position, in which the opening SA of the hook space S is closed, and the open position, in which the opening SA is open. The opening and closing of the cover 43 is described in more detail below.

[0041] The cover 43 has an engagement section 431 which can engage with the locking part 322 of the hook 3. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the engagement section 431 has a thickness extending to the +Z side of the curved section 41, and a Z-direction dimension D1 of the engagement section 431 is larger than a Z-direction dimension D2 of the curved section 41. The engagement section 431 has a groove 432 that can receive the bar 324 of the bolt part 322, and a concave section 433 that is connected to the groove 432 and can receive the arched section 325 of the bolt part 322. This engagement section 431 can hold the bar 324, which is housed in the groove 432, in the Z-direction. The engagement section 431 can engage with the arched section 325, which is housed in the concave section 433, in the Y- and X-directions.

[0042] When the cover 43 is in the closed position, which seals the opening SA of the hook space S, the engagement section 431 is engaged with the locking part 322. In this state, the spring 4 is bent more than before the assembly of the connecting element 1 (see Fig. 8), and the curved section 41 pushes the cover 43 towards the locking part 322. Therefore, the engagement between the section 431 and the locking part 322 is maintained by an elastic force of the spring 4.

[0043] When the cover 43 is in the closed position, there is a gap G between the inner circumferential surface 411 of the curved section 41 and the outer circumferential surface 261 of the projection 26 (see Fig. 3) If the spring 4 is elastically deformed, the curved section 41 can therefore be elastically deformed until the inner circumferential surface 411 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface 261 of the projection 26. Function of connecting element 1

[0044] The following describes the function of the connecting element 1 of the exemplary embodiment. The description is given with reference to the first ring 91 and the second ring 92 in Fig. 9 as examples of the object to be attached to the connecting element 1.

[0045] First, an operator applies pressure to the cover 43 in the direction of the hook space S (-X side) by pressing the first ring 91 against the cover 43, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this. As a result, the spring 4 is elastically deformed, and the cover 43 moves from the closed position, in which the opening SA of the hook space S is closed, to the open position, in which the opening SA is open. When the spring 4 is elastically deformed, an adjacent section 434 of the bent section 41 in the cover 43 deforms so that it bends towards the hook space S (-X side). The curved section 41 is also deformed such that the inner circumferential surface 411 of the bent section 41 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface 261 of the projecting section 26 (see Figure 6). Fig. 7).

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first ring 91 is guided through the opening SA of the hook space S and positioned within the hook space S when the cover 43 moves into the open position. That is, the first ring 91 is positioned as it passes through the hook space S in the Z-direction.

[0047] When the cover 43 is in the open position, the projection 26 supports the curved section 41. The movement of the cover 43 can be restricted by contacting at least one of the inner side surfaces 312 of the shaft 31 or the convex section 262 of the projection 26.

[0048] When the first ring 91 is housed in the hook space S, the pressure exerted on the cover 43 is released. Then, due to the elasticity of the spring 4, the cover 43 moves from the open to the closed position, and the section 431 re-engages in the locking part 322.

[0049] Next, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the operator moves the first ring 91 within the hook space S towards the base 2. The first ring 91 is guided by the inner side surface 312 of the shaft 31 towards the cutout 22 of the base 2 and can come into contact with the distal end 24 of the base 2. This contact with the distal end 24 of the base 2 positions the first ring 91 relative to the cutout 22 of the base 2.

[0050] The operator then presses the first ring 91 into the cutout 22 of the base 2. During this process, the base 2 is elastically deformed to enlarge the cutout 22, and the first ring 91 is guided through the cutout 22 and positioned in the opening 21 of the base 2. That is, the first ring 91 is positioned as it penetrates the hole 21 of the base 2 in the Z-direction. The first ring 91 is thus attached to the base 2.

[0051] The operator then places the second ring 92 in hook space S, similar to the procedure for the first ring 91. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting element 1 can connect the first ring 91 and the second ring 92. Production process for the connecting element 1

[0052] An example of a manufacturing process for the connecting element 1 of the exemplary embodiment is described.

[0053] First, a molded product 10, as in Fig. Figure 8 shows the product being cast in one piece using a resin material. The molded product 10, which has essentially the same configuration as the connecting element 1 described above, comprises the base 2, the hook 3, and a spring 4A.

[0054] Since spring 4A has a similar shape to spring 4 described above, the same symbol is used here as for spring 4, but spring 4A is positioned differently. In particular, the curved section 41 of spring 4A is offset in the Z-direction from an outer circumferential surface of the base 2. In other words, the curved section 41 is positioned so that it surrounds the body 25 of the base 2 in an area smaller than half the circumference of the body 25. The engagement section 431 does not engage with the latch part 322 and is positioned on a side opposite the hook space S with respect to the latch part 322. Spring 4 is positioned so that it does not overlap either the base 2 or the hook 3 in the Z-direction.

[0055] The connecting element 1 is then assembled using the molded part 10. Specifically, pressure is applied to the -Z side and the +X side of the cover 43 so that the cover 43 engages the hook space S via the -Z side of the locking part 322. Subsequently, by releasing the pressure applied to the cover 43, the engagement section 431 engages with the locking part 322. The connecting element 1 is thus assembled. Effects of the exemplary embodiment

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the base 2, the hook 3, and the spring 4 can be integrally formed from a resin material to form the connecting element 1. The spring 4 can reliably have a large spring length extending from the extension section 42, through the curved section 41, to the cover 43. In this configuration, the spring 4 can also be elastically deformed without forming a typical thin section to move the cover 43 between the closed and open positions. Since the spring 4 is arranged to overlap the base 2 in the Z-direction, the base 2 protects the spring 4 from the outside. Therefore, according to the exemplary arrangement, a connecting element 1 is provided that is suitable for ensuring strength and that can be integrally formed using a resin material.

[0057] The elastic deformation of the spring 4 upon contact with the base 2 enables a stable opening / closing movement of the cover 43.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment, the gap G exists between the inner circumferential surface 411 of the curved section 41 and the projection 26 when the cover 43 is in the closed position, and the inner circumferential surface 411 of the curved section 41 comes into contact with the projection 26 when the cover 43 is in the open position. According to this configuration, the projection 26 can support the curved section 41 without unnecessarily impeding the movement of the spring 4, thereby improving the strength of the connecting element 1.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, the projection 26 has the arcuate outer circumferential surface 261, which can come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 411 of the curved section 41. According to this configuration, the projection 26 can support a wider area of ​​the curved section 41, thereby further improving the strength of the connecting element 1.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment, the base 2 has a ring shape with a cutout 22 that connects the hole 21 of the base 2 to the hook space S. In this configuration, an object to be attached can pass through the hook space S and the cutout 22 into the hole 21 of the base 2. If the diameter of the object is larger than the width of the cutout 22, the object can pass through the cutout 22 due to the elastic deformation of the base 2. This allows the object to be easily attached to the base 2.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, the base 2 comprises: the base end 23, to which the shaft 31 is connected; and the distal end 24, which extends across the cutout 22 opposite the base end 23 and faces the hook space S. In this configuration, the object to be attached can be easily positioned relative to the cutout 22 by bringing it into contact with the distal end 24 of the base 2 when the object is moved from the hook space S to the cutout 22.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, the extension section 42 is connected to the outer side surface 311 of the shaft 31 opposite the hook space S. In this configuration, the spring 4 is arranged along the edge of the hole 21 of the base 2 outside the shaft 31. Accordingly, the length of the spring 4 can be reliably achieved while avoiding interference between the spring 4 and the shaft 31. This facilitates the opening / closing movement of the cover 43.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 43 has the engagement section 431, which can engage with the distal end 323 of the curved section 32, and the dimension D1 in the Z-direction of the engagement section 431 is larger than the dimension D2 in the Z-direction of the curved section 41. In this configuration, the engagement strength between the engagement section 431 and the distal end 323 of the curved section 32 can be improved.

[0064] For the connecting element 1 of the exemplary embodiment, as described above, a forming step is provided in which the molded product 10 is integrally formed using a resin material, and after the forming step an assembly step is provided which includes an elastic deformation of the spring 4, so that the curved section 41 overlaps the base 2 in the Z direction and the cover 43 engages with the distal end 323 of the curved section 32 (latch part 322 in the exemplary embodiment).

[0065] The connecting element 1 of the exemplary embodiment can be suitably manufactured using such a process. In particular, because there is no overlap between the components in the molded product 10, the mold used in the forming step of the molded product 10 can be simplified. Since the spring 4 is elastically deformed during the assembly step, the connecting element 1 is pressed towards the locking part 322 after the assembly step. Thus, the engagement between the cover 43 and the locking part 322 can be maintained by the elastic force of the spring 4. Modifications

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment above, the first ring 91 and the second ring 92 are given as examples of the objects connected by the connecting element 1, but not exclusively. The connecting element 1 can connect any objects.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment above, the projection 26 of the base 2 has the arcuate outer circumferential surface 261, but the shape of the projection 26 is not limited thereto. For example, the projection 26 can be a convex section of any shape located near the edge of the hole 21 in the base 2, or it can be provided by several convex sections arranged intermittently along the edge of the hole 21 in the base 2. It is not essential that the base 2 has the projection 26. The projection 26 can be omitted.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment above, the base 2 has an annular shape with the cutout 22, but the configuration of the base 2 is not limited to this. For example, the base 2 can have a continuous annular shape without the cutout 22. Alternatively, the base 2 is not limited to an annular shape but can also have other shapes in which the hole 21 is formed. The base 2 can have a cutout that does not penetrate the hook space S instead of the cutout 22 described above.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the curved section 41 of the spring 4, which overlaps the base 2 in the Z-direction, means that not the entire curved section 41 needs to overlap the base 2, but that it is sufficient if at least part of the curved section 41 overlaps the base 2. For example, part of the curved section 41 can extend beyond the base 2.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment above, the extension section 42 of the spring 4 is connected to the outer side surface 311 of the shaft 31, but the connection is not limited to this. In particular, the extension section 42 can be connected to parts other than the outer side surface 311 of the shaft 31, for example, to a front surface facing the +Z side of the shaft 31, or to a rear surface facing the -Z side of the shaft 31.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 43 of the spring 4 has the engagement section 431, which can engage with the distal end 323 of the curved section 32. However, the configuration of the engagement section 431 can optionally be modified. The configuration of the curved section 32, which corresponds to the engagement section 431, can be modified similarly. Alternatively, the cover 43 of the spring 4 can omit the engagement section 431 described above, and a portion of the cover 43 can simply be in contact with the distal end 323 of the curved section 32 in the X-direction.

[0072] The connecting element according to the invention is not limited to being manufactured according to the manufacturing process of the above exemplary embodiment, but can be manufactured according to any manufacturing process. Reference mark

[0073] 1...Connecting element, 10...Molded product, 2...Base, 21...Hole, 22...Cutout, 23...Base end, 24...Distal end, 25...Body, 251...Side surface, 26...Protrusion, 261...Outer circumferential surface, 262...Convex section, 3...Hook, 31...Shaft, 311...Outer side surface, 312...Inner side surface, 32...Curved section, 321...Base part, 322...Label part, 323...Distal end, 324...Rod, 325...Curved section, 4, 4A...Spring, 41...Curved section, 411...Inner circumferential surface, 42...Extension section, 421...Thick section, 43...Cover, 431...engagement section, 432...groove, 433...concave section, 91...first ring, 92...second ring, G...gap, S...hook space, SA...opening QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] JP 2009-2389 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Connecting element comprising the following: a base (2) with a hole (21) passing through in a thickness direction; a hook with a shank (31) connected to the base (2) and a curved section (32) bent from the shank (31), wherein the hook and the base (2) define a hook space (S) that extends between them in the thickness direction; and a spring (4) which is connected to the shaft (31), wherein the base (2), the hook (3) and the spring (4) are integrally formed with a resin material, wherein the spring (4) comprises the following: an arc-shaped curved section (41) that overlaps the base (2) in the thickness direction and is arranged along an edge of the hole (21); an extension section (42) that extends to connect one end of the curved section (41) to the shaft (31); and a cover (43) which is connected to the other end of the curved section (41), and wherein the cover (43) is movable between a closed position in which an opening (SA) of the hook space (S) is closed and an open position in which the opening (SA) is open, wherein the opening (SA) is defined between the distal end (323) of the curved section (32) and the base (2). [2] Connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the basis (2) includes the following: a body (25) which faces the curved section (41) in the thickness direction; and a projection (26) that extends from the body (25) in the thickness direction towards the curved section (41), when the cover (43) is in the closed position, with a gap (G) between an inner circumferential surface (411) of the curved section (41) and the projection (26), and when the cover (43) is in the open position, with the inner circumferential surface (411) of the curved section (41) in contact with the projection (26). [3] Connecting element according to claim 2, wherein the projection (26) has an arc-shaped outer circumferential surface (261) which is suitable to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface (411) of the curved section (41). [4] Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base (2) has a ring shape with a cutout (22) that connects the hole (21) to the hook space (S). [5] Connecting element according to claim 4, wherein the base (2) comprises: a base end (23) that is connected to the shaft (31); and a distal end (24) which is provided opposite the base end (23) over the cutout (22) and faces the hook space (S). [6] Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the extension section (42) is connected to an outer side surface (311) of the shaft (31) opposite the hook space (S). [7] Connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover (43) has an engagement section (431) which can engage with the distal end (323) of the curved section (32), and a dimension (D1) in the thickness direction of the engagement section (431) is larger than a dimension (D2) in the thickness direction of the bent section (41). [8] Manufacturing method for the connecting element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises the following steps: One-piece forming of a molded product (10) using a resin material, wherein the molded product (10) comprises the base (2), the hook (3) and a spring (4A), wherein the curved section (41) is arranged offset from an outer circumference of the base (2) when viewed in the thickness direction; and, after forming, assembling the connecting element (1), comprising elastic deformation of the spring (4) so ​​that the curved section (41) overlaps the base (2) in the thickness direction, and engaging the cover (43) with the distal end (323) of the curved section (32).

Images