Clip and clip transport device

Abstract

To provide a technique that is effective in improving the assemblability and transport property of a clip.SOLUTION: A clip 10 comprises: a main body 11 that is pushed into a clip insertion hole 3 of a locking portion 2; a pressed portion 12 that is pressed when the main body 11 is pushed in; an elastic claw portion 13 that is provided forward of the pressed portion 12 in the pushing direction X1 of the main body 11 to be elastically deformable, that elastically deforms upon contact with an opening edge 3a of the clip insertion hole 3 when the main body 11 is pushed in, to allow the main body 11 to be pushed into the clip insertion hole 3, and that catch on the opening edge 3a by elastic return in the state that the main body 11 is pushed into the clip insertion hole 3; and a wall portion 14 that clamps the locking portion 2 with the elastic claw portion 13 in the state that the main body 11 is pushed into the clip insertion hole 3. The clip 10 is configured so that, in the state that the clip is placed on a horizontal plane B, the upper end positions P1, P2 of the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 are both at their highest points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip and a clip transport device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a conventional clip. This clip is made of a resin material and includes an operating part that is operated by an operator when pushing a main body into a rectangular clip insertion hole provided in at least one of two components, a first pressed part that presses a first opening edge of the clip insertion hole when the main body is pushed into the clip insertion hole, and a second pressed part that presses a second opening edge of the clip insertion hole when the main body is pushed into the clip insertion hole. This clip allows an operator to fasten two components by simply operating the operating part with one touch to push the main body into the clip insertion hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2011-543155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The clips having the above-described configuration are highly versatile due to their excellent assembly properties, and for example, clips of the same shape can be used in large quantities in facilities such as automobile assembly lines. Therefore, in designing this type of clip, in addition to improving assembly properties, a technology is required that enables smooth transport of multiple clips from a storage location to a destination.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technique that is effective in improving the ease of assembly and transport of a clip. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is A resin clip for fastening at least two members, a main body portion that is pushed into a clip insertion hole of a locking portion provided on at least one of the two members; a pressed portion that is pressed when the main body portion is pressed; a resilient claw portion that is provided elastically deformably forward of the pressed portion in the pushing direction of the main body portion, that resiliently deforms upon contact with an opening edge of the clip insertion hole when the main body portion is pushed in, allowing the main body portion to be pushed into the clip insertion hole, and that catches on the opening edge when the main body portion is pushed into the clip insertion hole; a wall portion that sandwiches the locking portion between the elastic claw portion and the wall portion when the main body portion is pressed into the clip insertion hole; Equipped with a clip configured such that the upper ends of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion are both at their highest points when the clip is placed on a horizontal surface; is located. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] When using the clip of the above-described embodiment, the pressed portion is pressed, forcing the main body into the clip insertion hole of the locking portion provided on at least one of the two components. At this time, the elastic claw portion is caught on the opening edge and locked by elastic return when the main body is pressed into the clip insertion hole. Furthermore, when the main body is pressed into the clip insertion hole, the locking portion is sandwiched between the elastic claw portion and the wall portion on both sides in the pushing direction. A clip with this structure can fasten at least two components simply by pressing the pressed portion so that the main body is pressed into the clip insertion hole, and therefore has excellent clip assembly properties when fastening.

[0008] Furthermore, the clip of the above-described embodiment has a structure in which the upper ends of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion are both at their highest points when placed on a horizontal surface. This structure enables clip transport using parallel, opposing transport surfaces that sandwich the clip from both sides in the height direction. Therefore, by devising the structure of the clip itself, it is possible to transport the clip smoothly while suppressing vibration in the height direction.

[0009] Therefore, according to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide a technique that is effective in improving the ease of assembly and transport of the clip. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which two members are fastened together by the clip of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which two members are fastened together by the clip of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the clip of the first embodiment placed on a horizontal surface. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the clip of the first embodiment seen from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a state in which a plurality of clips are transported using the clip transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a side view partially showing the tubular member of the clip conveying device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 8 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the tubular member of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating how a plurality of clips are transported using the clip transport device of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view partially showing a tubular member of the clip conveying device of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the tubular member of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional view of another variation of the tubular member of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the clip of the first modified example seen from above. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a clip according to a second modified example, viewed from above. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a clip according to a third modified example, viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the above aspects are described below.

[0012] The clip of the above aspect is preferably symmetrical in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the pushing direction, and is configured so that the elastic claw portion and the wall portion have the same width dimension in the horizontal direction.

[0013] This structure allows for clip transport using guide surfaces that guide both the elastic claws and the wall from both sides in the horizontal direction when the clip is transported vertically along the pushing direction. Therefore, by devising the structure of the clip itself, it becomes possible to smoothly transport the clip vertically while suppressing lateral vibration.

[0014] In the clip of the above aspect, it is preferable that the pressed portion is provided so that both end portions in the lateral direction protrude laterally from the main body portion.

[0015] With this clip, one transport mode is to use both lateral ends of the pressed portion as hooks for hooking a transport jig, making it possible to transport the clip in a hanging state with the jig hooked from above on the hooks.

[0016] The clip transport device for transporting the clips of each of the above-mentioned aspects comprises a tubular member made of a flexible material and having an internal passage that allows the clip to be transported in the same position, and a clip pressure-transport unit that introduces pressure-transporting gas into the internal passage of the tubular member along with the clip, and the tubular member has transport surfaces that are parallel and opposed to each other so as to sandwich the clip from both sides in the height direction.

[0017] This clip transport device allows multiple clips to be transported sequentially to their destination by introducing pressurized gas into the passageway of the tubular member along with the clips using the clip pressure transport unit. This reduces the labor required for transporting multiple clips and shortens the transport time. Furthermore, by employing a structure in which the clips are sandwiched between the transport surfaces of the tubular member on both sides in the height direction, the clips can be transported smoothly while suppressing vertical vibration.

[0018] In the clip transport device, the tubular member is preferably provided with a guide portion that guides at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion of the clip to suppress vibration of the clip when transported.

[0019] According to this clip transport device, at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion of the clip is used as the guide target portion, and this guide target portion is guided by the guide portion, thereby making it possible to increase the stability of clip transport.

[0020] In the clip transport device, the in-pipe passage of the tubular member is preferably shaped to allow the clip to be transported vertically, and the guide portion preferably has a guide wall that sandwiches at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion from both sides of the clip in the horizontal direction.

[0021] According to this clip transport device, by providing guide walls on the tubular member that sandwich at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion of the clip from both sides in the horizontal direction of the clip, the guide walls can suppress lateral vibration of the clip when it is transported vertically. By suppressing vibration of the clip when it is transported vertically in the horizontal direction as well as in the vertical direction, it is possible to improve the stability of clip transport.

[0022] In the above-mentioned clip transport device, the in-pipe passage of the tubular member is shaped to allow the clip to be transported laterally, and it is preferable that the guide portion has at least one of a guide wall that is inserted into the gap between the elastic claw portion and the wall portion, and a guide wall that sandwiches at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion from both sides of the longitudinal direction of the clip.

[0023] According to this clip transport device, by providing at least one of a guide wall inserted into the gap between the elastic claw portion and the wall portion of the clip and a guide wall sandwiching at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion from both sides of the longitudinal direction of the clip on the tubular member, the guide wall can suppress vertical vibration of the clip when it is transported laterally. By suppressing vibration of the clip during lateral transport not only in the height direction but also in the vertical direction, it is possible to improve the stability of clip transport.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of a clip and a clip transport device will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] In the drawings used in this description, unless otherwise specified, the vertical direction of the clip is indicated by arrow X, the horizontal direction (width direction) of the clip is indicated by arrow Y, and the height direction of the clip is indicated by arrow Z.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) 1. Structure of Clip 10 1 and 2, a clip 10 of the first embodiment is a resin clip for fastening two members 1 and 4. The clip 10 includes a main body 11, a pressed portion 12, an elastic claw portion 13, and a wall portion 14.

[0027] The main body 11 is a portion that is pushed into the clip insertion hole 3 of the locking portion 2 provided on one of the two members 1 and 4, member 1. The main body 11 has a protruding shape with a tip that protrudes in the pushing direction X1 to facilitate the pushing operation into the clip insertion hole 3. Member 1 is a plate-shaped panel member whose thickness direction is the height direction Z, and has a locking portion 2 that is erected on the upper surface of the panel. The locking portion 2 is a portion whose thickness direction is the vertical direction X. The clip insertion hole 3 is formed to penetrate the locking portion 2 of member 1 in its thickness direction. Member 4 is a plate-shaped panel member, and has a through hole 5 through which the locking portion 2 of member 1 can be inserted when member 4 is placed on the upper panel surface of member 1. The through hole 5 is formed to penetrate member 4 in its thickness direction.

[0028] The pressed portion 12 is a portion that is pressed when the main body portion 11 is pressed in the pressing direction X1. A pressing force is applied to the rear surface 12a of the pressed portion 12. The pressing force at this time may be applied by a fastening device (not shown) or by the operator's fingers. In short, the operation of pressing the main body portion 11 into the clip insertion hole 3 may be mechanically automated or may be performed manually.

[0029] The elastic claw portion 13 is provided elastically deformable forward of the pressed portion 12 in the pushing direction X1 of the main body portion 11. This elastic claw portion 13 is configured to elastically deform downward upon contact with the upper opening edge portion 3a of the clip insertion hole 3 when the main body portion 11 is pushed in, thereby allowing the main body portion 11 to be pushed into the clip insertion hole 3. Furthermore, when the main body portion 11 is pushed into the clip insertion hole 3, the load applied by the opening edge portion 3a is released or weakened, and this elastic claw portion 13 is configured to elastically return (return to its original shape due to its elasticity) to be caught and locked on the opening edge portion 3a (see FIG. 2).

[0030] The pushing direction X1 of the main body 11 corresponds to the direction along the longitudinal direction X of the clip 10. In the following description, the forward side of the pushing direction X1 is defined as the front side of the clip 10, and the rear side of the pushing direction X1 is defined as the rear side of the clip 10.

[0031] The wall portion 14 is provided between the pressed portion 12 and the elastic claw portion 13 in the vertical direction X. This wall portion 14 is configured to sandwich the locking portion 2 of the member 1 between the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 in a state where the main body portion 11 is pressed into the clip insertion hole 3. According to this configuration, the locking portion 2 of the member 1 is disposed between the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 in the vertical direction X.

[0032] 3, the elastic claw portion 13 extends linearly obliquely upward and rearward from a connection portion 13a with the main body portion 11. The elastic claw portion 13 has an inclined surface 13b that extends at an angle relative to a horizontal plane B, and a rear surface 13c that extends vertically behind the inclined surface 13b. A recess 13d is provided at the top of the elastic claw portion 13 to reduce weight.

[0033] The wall portion 14 is provided on the rear side of the elastic claw portion 13 in the pushing direction X1, with a gap S between them. The wall portion 14 has a thickness direction that is the vertical direction X, and has a front surface 14a and a rear surface 14b that are parallel to each other. The front surface 14a of the wall portion 14 is an opposing surface that faces and is generally parallel to the rear surface 13c of the elastic claw portion 13. When the two members 1 and 4 are fastened together by the clip 10, the locking portion 2 of the member 1 (see FIG. 2) is disposed in the gap S between the rear surface 13c of the elastic claw portion 13 and the front surface 14a of the wall portion 14.

[0034] 1-1. Height dimensions of each part of the clip 10 3, clip 10 of this embodiment is configured so that, when placed on horizontal surface B, height dimension h1 of main body portion 11 and height dimension h2 of pressed portion 12 are approximately the same. Furthermore, in this clip 10, height dimension h3 of elastic claw portion 13 and height dimension h4 of wall portion 14 are the same, and both are greater than height dimension h1 of main body portion 11. In other words, when placed on horizontal surface B, clip 10 is configured so that elastic claw portion 13 and wall portion 14 have the same height, and upper end positions P1, P2 of elastic claw portion 13 and wall portion 14 are both at their highest points.

[0035] In this embodiment, the upper ends of the elastic claw portions 13 are portions that extend linearly in the horizontal direction Y, and the upper ends of the wall portions 14 are horizontal planes defined by the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y. The clip 10 is configured so that the upper ends of the elastic claw portions 13 are located forward of the center portion in the vertical direction X, and the upper ends of the wall portions 14 are located rearward of the center portion in the vertical direction X. This configuration is effective in improving the stability of the clip 10 during transportation. If necessary, the upper ends of the elastic claw portions 13 and the wall portions 14 may both be configured to be located forward of the center portion in the vertical direction X of the clip 10, or rearward of the center portion in the vertical direction X of the clip 10.

[0036] 1-2. Width dimensions of each part of the clip 10 As shown in Fig. 4, the clip 10 of this embodiment has a symmetrical shape with respect to the horizontal direction (width direction) Y perpendicular to the pushing direction X1. That is, the clip 10 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center line L of the horizontal direction Y (a plane defined by both the vertical direction X and the height direction Z). In this clip 10, the width dimension d2 of the pressed portion 12 is greater than the width dimension d1 of the main body portion 11. Furthermore, the width dimension d3 of the elastic claw portion 13 and the width dimension d4 of the wall portion 14 are the same, and both are smaller than the width dimension d1 of the main body portion 11. That is, the clip 10 is configured so that the width dimensions of the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 in the horizontal direction Y are the same.

[0037] The pressed portion 12 is provided such that end portions 12b on both sides in the lateral direction Y protrude laterally from the main body portion 11. The end portions 12b are used as hook portions for hooking a transport jig (not shown) when transporting the clip 10 at a timing separate from the use of the clip transport device 20 described below. This enables clip transport in a suspended state, where the jig is hooked from above on the hook portions of the clip 10, as one transport mode.

[0038] 2. Structure of the clip transport device 20 5, a clip transport device 20 of the first embodiment is a device for transporting a clip 10. The clip transport device 20 includes a tubular member 21 and a clip pressure-feeding unit 40.

[0039] 2-1. Structure of tubular member 21 As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular member 21 is disposed so as to extend from the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 to the destination 41. The tubular member 21 is made of a flexible material and has an in-pipe passage 21a through which the clip 10 can be transported while maintaining the same vertical orientation. The in-pipe passage 21a is shaped so that the clip 10 can be transported vertically in the vertical direction X (transport direction D1) while maintaining the vertical orientation. Here, "vertical orientation" refers to an orientation in which the pushing direction X1 (see FIG. 1) is the transport direction D1 of the clip 10. This allows the clip 10 to be transported in the vertical orientation from the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 through the in-pipe passage 21a of the tubular member 21 to the destination 41 in the transport direction D1. This transport mode of the clip 10 is referred to as "vertical transport."

[0040] By using a flexible material for the tubular member 21, the shape of the intraluminal passage 21a can be freely changed by flexibly bending it up, down, left, and right as needed. For example, the intraluminal passage 21a can be used as a partially curved passage. Of course, the intraluminal passage 21a may also be used as a straight passage without being curved. For example, a silicone rubber tube (so-called "silicone tube") can be used as the tubular member 21. In this case, since the silicone tube is made of a semipermeable material, it is effective for visually confirming the clip 10 passing through the intraluminal passage 21a from the outside. Note that the tubular member 21 is not limited to a silicone tube, and various materials can be used as needed. In this case, the tubular member 21 may be made of a single material or multiple materials.

[0041] The tubular member 21 having the above configuration is effective for transporting a plurality of clips 10 over a long distance from the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 to the destination 41, even when the destination 41 is far from the clip pressure-feeding unit 40. Note that as long as the tubular member 21 can be extended to the destination 41, the location of the delivery source of the clips 10 is not particularly limited.

[0042] According to the tubular member 21 configured as described above, even if the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 is attached to a robot arm (not shown), the tubular member 21 can follow the movement of the robot arm. Furthermore, since a plurality of clips 10 can be extended to the destination 41 and directly transported, an element such as a cartridge for temporarily storing and transporting a plurality of clips 10 is not required, and not using such an element makes it possible to shorten the cycle time required to transport a predetermined number of clips 10.

[0043] 2-2. Structure of clip pressure feeding unit 40 5 and 6, the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 has a function of introducing pressure-feeding gas G together with clips 10 into the pipe passage 21a of the tubular member 21. To achieve this function, the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 has a storage space 40a capable of storing a plurality of clips 10, and is configured to feed the plurality of clips 10 stored in this storage space 40a one by one into the pipe passage 21a of the tubular member 21 by utilizing the gas pressure of pressure-feeding gas G supplied from an external gas supply source (not shown).

[0044] 6, in the clip pressure-feeding section 40, the gas pressure of the pressure-feeding gas G acts on the rear surface 12a of the pressed portion 12 of the clip 10, providing a pressing force for introducing the clip 10 into the in-pipe passage 21a of the tubular member 21. The type of pressure-feeding gas G is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use air, which is relatively easy to obtain. Of course, gases other than air can be used as needed.

[0045] 2-3. Guide structure of Clip 10 7 and 8, the tubular member 21 is provided with a guide portion that guides both the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the clip 10 to suppress vibration of the clip 10 in the horizontal direction Y during vertical transport in the in-pipe passage 21a. This guide portion is configured by devising the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 21.

[0046] Tubular member 21 has bottom plate 21b, side plate portions 21c and 21d erected in height direction Z on both sides of main body 11 of clip 10 in lateral direction Y, and step-shaped upper plate portion 21e closing pipe passage 21a from above. Upper plate portion 21e has guide walls 21f and 21g (guide portions) erected parallel to each other in height direction Z, and upper wall 21h connecting upper portions of guide walls 21f and 21g.

[0047] The lower conveying surface C1, which is the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 21b, and the upper conveying surface C2, which is the lower surface of the upper wall 21h, face each other in parallel so as to sandwich the clip from both sides in the height direction Z. By providing these two conveying surfaces C1 and C2 on the tubular member 21, when using a clip 10 having a structure in which the upper end positions P1 and P2 (see FIG. 3) of the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion are aligned, the clip 10 can be smoothly conveyed vertically while suppressing vibration in the height direction Z.

[0048] The guide walls 21f, 21g are configured to sandwich both the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 from both sides in the horizontal direction Y. According to this configuration, the inner surfaces of the guide walls 21f, 21g in the horizontal direction Y serve as guide surfaces for the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14. Therefore, during vertical transport of the clips 10, the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 can be preferentially guided via the guide walls 21f, 21g, making it possible to suppress vibration of the clips 10 in the horizontal direction Y.

[0049] 3. Effects According to the above-described first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0050] When using the clip 10 of the first embodiment, the body 11 is pressed into the clip insertion hole 3 of the locking portion 2 of the member 1 by pressing the pressed portion 12. At this time, the elastic claws 13 are caught on the opening edge 3a and locked by elastic return when the body 11 is pressed into the clip insertion hole 3. Furthermore, when the body 11 is pressed into the clip insertion hole 3, the locking portion 2 is sandwiched between the elastic claws 13 and the wall portion 14 from both sides in the pushing direction X1. The clip 10 having this structure can fasten two members 1 and 4 simply by pressing the pressed portion 12 so that the body 11 is pressed into the clip insertion hole 3, thereby providing excellent assembling performance during fastening. Here, "assemblability" refers to the ease of assembling two members 1 and 4 when fastening them together using the clip 10. Therefore, the clip 10 is excellent not only in assembling performance but also in workability and operability.

[0051] The clip 10 has a structure in which the upper end positions P1, P2 of the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 are both at their highest points when placed on a horizontal plane B. This structure enables clip transport using the transport surfaces C1, C2 that are parallel and opposed to each other so as to sandwich the clip 10 from both sides in the height direction Z. Therefore, by devising the structure of the clip 10 itself, it becomes possible to transport the clip 10 smoothly while suppressing vibration in the height direction Z.

[0052] Furthermore, the clip 10 has a structure in which the width dimension d3 of the elastic claw portion 13 is the same as the width dimension d4 of the wall portion 14. This structure enables clip 10 to be transported vertically in the vertical direction X using guide surfaces that guide both the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 from both sides in the horizontal direction Y. Therefore, by devising the structure of the clip 10 itself, it becomes possible to smoothly transport the clip vertically while suppressing vibration in the horizontal direction Y.

[0053] According to the clip transport device 20 of the first embodiment, the clip pressure feed unit 40 introduces the pressure gas G along with the clips 10 into the pipe passage 21a of the tubular member 21, thereby allowing the sequential transport of multiple clips 10 to the destination 41. This reduces the labor required for transporting multiple clips 10 and shortens the transport time. Such a clip transport device 20 is effective for automating clip transport.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the clip transport device 20, by adopting a structure in which the clip 10 is sandwiched between the transport surfaces C1 and C2 of the tubular member 21 from both sides in the height direction Z, it is possible to smoothly transport the clip 10 vertically while suppressing vibration in the height direction Z. Furthermore, by guiding both the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the clip 10 by the guide walls 21f and 21g (guide portions) of the tubular member 21, it is possible to suppress vibration in the horizontal direction Y of the clip 10 during vertical transport. In this way, suppressing vibration in both the height direction Z and the horizontal direction Y of the clip 10 during vertical transport makes it possible to improve the stability of clip transport.

[0055] Therefore, according to the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to provide a technique that is effective in improving the ease of assembly and transport of the clip 10.

[0056] In a modification particularly related to the first embodiment, a tubular member 21A shown in Fig. 9 can be used instead of the tubular member 21 shown in Fig. 7. In this tubular member 21A, the upper plate portion 21e is flat, and the lower surface of the upper plate portion 21e itself serves as the upper conveying surface C2. With this tubular member 21A, by sandwiching the clip 10 between the two conveying surfaces C1 and C2 from both sides in the height direction Z, it is possible to at least obtain the effect of suppressing vibration of the clip 10 in the height direction Z during vertical conveyance.

[0057] Next, other embodiments related to the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, the same elements as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0058] (Embodiment 2) 4. Structure of clip transport device 30 10, clip transport device 30 of embodiment 2 is a device for transporting clips 10, similar to clip transport device 20 of embodiment 1. This clip transport device 30 includes a tubular member 31 having a different structure from tubular member 21 of embodiment 1, and a clip pressure-feeding unit 40 similar to that of embodiment 1. Clip 10 is the same as that used in embodiment 1.

[0059] 4-1. Structure of tubular member 31 The tubular member 31 is made of a flexible material and has an in-pipe passage 31a that allows the clip 10 to be transported in the same horizontal position. The in-pipe passage 31a is shaped to allow the clip 10 to be transported laterally in the horizontal direction Y (transport direction D1) while maintaining the horizontal position. "Horizontal" here refers to a position in which the horizontal direction Y, which is perpendicular to the pushing direction X1 (see FIG. 1), is the transport direction D1 of the clip 10. This allows the clip 10 to be transported in the horizontal position from the clip pressure-feeding unit 40 through the in-pipe passage 31a of the tubular member 31 to the destination 41 in the transport direction D1. This type of transport of the clip 10 is called "lateral transport."

[0060] As shown in Figure 11, in the clip pressure-feeding section 40, the gas pressure of the pressure-feeding gas G acts on the side surface 11a of the main body 11 of the clip 10, providing a pressing force for introducing the clip 10 into the intra-pipe passage 31a of the tubular member 31.

[0061] 12, the tubular member 31 is provided with a guide portion that guides both the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the clip 10 to suppress vibration of the clip 10 in the vertical direction X during lateral transport in the intra-pipe passage 31a. This guide portion is configured by devising the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 31.

[0062] The tubular member 31 has a bottom plate 31b that forms a horizontal plane B, side plate portions 31c and 31d that are erected in the height direction Z on both sides of the longitudinal direction X of the main body 11 of the clip 10, and an upper plate portion 31e that closes the in-pipe passage 31a from above. The upper plate portion 31e of the tubular member 31 is provided with a guide wall 31f (guide portion) that partially protrudes downward in the height direction Z toward the in-pipe passage 31a.

[0063] The guide wall 31f is configured to be inserted into the gap S between the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the clip 10. In this configuration, both surfaces of the guide wall 31f in the vertical direction X are arranged adjacent to and opposite the rear surface 13c of the elastic claw portion 13 and the front surface 14a of the wall portion 14, respectively. Therefore, both surfaces of the guide wall 31f serve as guide surfaces for guiding the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the clip 10 in the conveyance direction D1.

[0064] Therefore, according to the tubular member 31 having the above-described configuration, the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 can be preferentially guided via the guide wall 31f when the clip 10 is transported horizontally, thereby making it possible to suppress the vibration of the clip 10 in the vertical direction X.

[0065] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0066] 5. Effects According to the clip transport device 30 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the clip 10 is sandwiched between the transport surfaces C1 and C2 of the tubular member 31 from both sides in the height direction Z, thereby enabling the clip 10 to be smoothly transported laterally while suppressing vibration in the height direction Z. Furthermore, by providing the tubular member 31 with a guide wall 31f that is inserted into the gap S between the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the clip 10, the guide wall 31f can suppress vibration in the vertical direction X when the clip 10 is transported laterally in the horizontal direction Y. In this way, suppressing vibration in both the height direction Z and the vertical direction X during the laterally transport of the clip 10 enhances the stability of clip transport.

[0067] In addition, the same effects as those in the first embodiment are achieved.

[0068] In a modification particularly related to the second embodiment, a tubular member 31A shown in Fig. 13 can be used instead of the tubular member 31 shown in Fig. 12. In this tubular member 31A, in addition to the guide wall 31f, two guide walls 31g and 31h (guide portions) are provided on the upper plate portion 31e.

[0069] In the tubular member 31A, the two guide walls 31f, 31g are configured to sandwich the elastic claw portion 13 of the clip 10 from both sides in the longitudinal direction X. In this configuration, the inclined surface of the guide wall 31g is disposed adjacent to and opposite a part of the inclined surface 13b of the elastic claw portion 13, and one surface of the guide wall 31f in the longitudinal direction X (the surface on the left in FIG. 12) is disposed adjacent to and opposite the rear surface 13c of the elastic claw portion 13. Therefore, the inclined surface of the guide wall 31g and one surface of the guide wall 31f serve as guide surfaces for guiding the elastic claw portion 13 of the clip 10 in the conveying direction D1.

[0070] In this tubular member 31A, two guide walls 31f, 31h are configured to sandwich the wall portion 14 of the clip 10 from both sides in the longitudinal direction X. In this configuration, one surface of the guide wall 31f in the longitudinal direction X (the surface on the right in FIG. 12) is disposed adjacent to and facing the front surface 14a of the wall portion 14, and one surface of the guide wall 31h in the longitudinal direction X (the surface on the left in FIG. 12) is disposed adjacent to and facing the rear surface 14b of the wall portion 14. Therefore, one surface of the guide wall 31f and one surface of the guide wall 31h serve as guide surfaces for guiding the wall portion 14 of the clip 10 in the conveying direction D1.

[0071] Therefore, according to the tubular member 31A having the above-described configuration, the elastic claw portion 13 and the wall portion 14 can be preferentially guided via the three guide walls 31f, 31g, and 31h when the clip 10 is transported sideways, thereby enhancing the guide function when the clip 10 is transported sideways.

[0072] In the tubular member 31A having the above configuration, if necessary, either one of the two guide walls 31g, 31h may be omitted, or only the guide wall 31f may be omitted from the three guide walls 31f, 31g, 31h.

[0073] In another modification particularly related to the second embodiment, a tubular member 31B shown in Fig. 14 can be used instead of the tubular member 31 shown in Fig. 12. In this tubular member 31B, the upper plate portion 31e is flat, and the lower surface of the upper plate portion 31e itself serves as the upper conveying surface C2. With this tubular member 31B, by sandwiching the clips 10 between the two conveying surfaces C1 and C2 from both sides in the height direction Z, it is possible to at least obtain the effect of suppressing vibration of the clips 10 in the height direction Z during lateral conveyance.

[0074] 6. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various applications and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented by applying the above embodiments.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the clip 10 is symmetrical in the horizontal direction Y, but a clip having an asymmetrical shape in the horizontal direction Y may be used instead. It is sufficient for this clip to be configured so that the upper ends of the elastic claws and wall portions are both at their highest points when placed on a horizontal surface. In this case, the upper ends of the elastic claws and wall portions may be configured as surfaces, lines, points, etc.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the clip 10 that fastens the two members 1 and 4 has been exemplified, but instead, the clip 10 may fasten three or more members.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the clip 10 is exemplified in which the elastic claw portions 13 and the wall portions 14 have the same width dimension in the lateral direction Y, but instead, the elastic claw portions 13 and the wall portions 14 may have different width dimensions in the lateral direction Y. For example, as shown as a first modified example in Fig. 15, a clip 10A may be employed in which the width dimension d4 of the wall portions 14 is greater than the width dimension d3 of the elastic claw portions 13, or as shown as a second modified example in Fig. 16, a clip 10B may be employed in which the width dimension d3 of the elastic claw portions 13 is greater than the width dimension d4 of the wall portions 14.

[0078] When the clip 10A of the first modified example is transported by the clip transport device 20 of embodiment 1, it is preferable that the guide walls 21f, 21g of the upper plate portion 21e of the tubular member 21 are configured to directly guide the wall portion 14, which is wider than the elastic claw portion 13. Furthermore, when the clip 10B of the second modified example is transported by the clip transport device 20 of embodiment 1, it is preferable that the guide walls 21f, 21g of the upper plate portion 21e of the tubular member 21 are configured to directly guide the elastic claw portion 13, which is wider than the wall portion 14.

[0079] In the above-described embodiments, clips 10, 10A, and 10B are exemplified in which the end portions 12b on both sides of the pressed portion 12 in the lateral direction Y protrude laterally from the main body portion 11. However, instead of this, for example, as shown as a third modified example in Figure 17, a clip 10C may be adopted which is configured so that the width dimension d2 of the pressed portion 12 is the same as the width dimension d1 of the main body portion 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,4...member, 2...engaging portion, 3...clip insertion hole, 10,10A,10B,10C...clip, 11...main body, 12...pressed portion, 12b...end portion, 13...elastic claw portion, 14...wall portion, 20,30...clip conveying device, 21,21A,31,31A,31B...tubular member, 21a,31a...internal pipe passage, 21f,21g,31f,31g,31h...guide wall (guide portion), 40...clip pressure-feeding portion, B...horizontal surface, C1,C2...conveying surface, P1,P2...upper end position, S...gap, X...vertical direction, X1...pushing direction, Y...horizontal direction, Z...height direction

Claims

1. A resin clip for fastening at least two members, a main body portion that is pushed into a clip insertion hole of a locking portion provided on at least one of the two members; a pressed portion that is pressed when the main body portion is pressed; an elastic claw portion that is provided elastically deformably forward of the pressed portion in the pushing direction of the main body portion, elastically deforms upon contact with an opening edge portion of the clip insertion hole when the main body portion is pushed, allowing the main body portion to be pushed into the clip insertion hole, and elastically returns to its original state when the main body portion is pushed into the clip insertion hole, thereby catching on the opening edge portion; a wall portion that sandwiches the locking portion between the elastic claw portion and the wall portion when the main body portion is pressed into the clip insertion hole; Equipped with The clip is configured so that when the clip is placed on a horizontal surface, the upper ends of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion are both at their highest points.

2. 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the clip has a symmetrical shape in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the pushing direction, and the elastic claw portion and the wall portion have the same width dimension in the horizontal direction.

3. The clip according to claim 2 , wherein the pressed portion is provided such that both ends in the lateral direction protrude laterally from the main body portion.

4. A clip transport device for transporting the clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a tubular member made of a flexible material and having an internal passageway through which the clip can be transported while maintaining the same position; and a clip pressure-feeding unit that introduces a pressure-feeding gas into the internal passageway of the tubular member together with the clip; Equipped with The tubular member is provided with parallel, opposing conveying surfaces that sandwich the clip from both sides in the height direction.

5. The clip transport device according to claim 4, wherein the tubular member is provided with a guide portion that guides at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion of the clip to suppress swinging of the clip during transport.

6. the passage in the tubular member is shaped to allow the clip to be conveyed in a longitudinal direction, The clip transport device according to claim 5 , wherein the guide portion has guide walls that sandwich at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion from both sides in the lateral direction of the clip.

7. the passage in the tubular member is shaped so that the clip can be conveyed laterally, The clip conveying device of claim 5, wherein the guide portion has at least one of a guide wall that is inserted into the gap between the elastic claw portion and the wall portion, and a guide wall that sandwiches at least one of the elastic claw portion and the wall portion from both sides of the vertical direction of the clip.

Images