Clip

Abstract

Provided is a clip capable of maintaining an appropriate fastening state regardless of material. A clip (1) has a grommet (15) and a pin (16). Each of locking claws of the grommet has a first piece part (24A), and a claw part (24B) protruding from the tip of the first piece part to the side opposite a receiving hole. Each of support pieces of the grommet has a second piece part (25A), and a locking protruding part (25B) protruding from the tip of the second piece part. The pin is movable relative to the grommet between a temporary fastening position and a fastening position. When the pin is in the temporary fastening position, each of the first piece parts faces a small-diameter part (31B) of a shaft part via a gap, thereby allowing displacement to the shaft part side. When the pin is in the fastening position, each of the first piece parts abuts a large-diameter part (31A) of the shaft part, thereby restricting displacement to the shaft part side. The tip of each of the second piece parts is provided with a holding piece (29) extending in the circumferential direction around the axis.

Description

clip

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip having a grommet and a pin.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a clip for attaching a bumper retainer to a vehicle body. The clip has a grommet and a pin formed on the bumper retainer. The grommet has multiple locking claws that are inserted into connecting holes formed on the vehicle body. When the pin is inserted into the grommet, the multiple locking claws are pushed by the pin and spread apart, locking the edges of the connecting holes. This connects the bumper retainer to the vehicle body.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-15002

[0004] In a configuration in which the locking claws are spread apart by the pins and connected to the connecting holes, if the grommet is made of a resin material with high rigidity, i.e., low toughness, the locking claws may undergo plastic deformation, which may reduce the adhesion between the locking claws and the connecting holes, resulting in problems such as rattles and abnormal noises from the grommet.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a clip that can maintain an appropriate fastening state regardless of the material.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a clip (1) that is attached to a panel (3) having a fastening hole (7), the clip (1) comprising: a main body (22) having a receiving hole (21); a grommet (15) having a plurality of locking claws (24) and a plurality of support pieces (25) extending from the periphery of the receiving hole in the main body along the axis (A) of the receiving hole; and a pin (16) having a shaft (31) that is inserted into the receiving hole, has a large diameter portion (31A) provided on the base end side, and a small diameter portion (31B) provided on the tip side of the large diameter portion and having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, and the small diameter portion has a first engagement portion (33) provided on the tip side and a second engagement portion (34) provided on the large diameter portion side of the first engagement portion, and each of the locking claws has a first piece portion (24A) extending from the main body portion in parallel with the axis of the receiving hole, and a second piece portion (34B) extending from the tip of the first piece portion Each of the support pieces has a second arm portion (25A) extending from the main body portion parallel to the axis of the receiving hole, and a locking protrusion portion (25B) protruding from the tip of the second arm portion toward the receiving hole, and the pin is movable relative to the grommet between a temporary locking position where each of the locking protrusions engages with the first engagement portion and a fastening position where each of the locking protrusions engages with the second engagement portion, and when the pin is in the temporary locking position, each of the first arm portions faces the small diameter portion across a gap, thereby being displaceable toward the shaft portion, and when the pin is in the fastening position, each of the first arm portions abuts against the large diameter portion, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion, and a retaining piece (29) extending circumferentially around the axis is provided at the tip of each of the second arm portions.

[0007] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a clip that can maintain an appropriate fastening state regardless of the material. When the pin is in the temporary fastening position, the locking claw can be displaced toward the shank, allowing the locking claw to pass through the coupling hole. When the pin is in the fastening position, the locking claw cannot be displaced toward the shank, so the locking claw remains locked in the coupling hole. When the pin is in the fastening position, the locking claw is not deformed, so plastic deformation of the locking claw is suppressed. When the pin is in the temporary fastening position, a gap is formed between the shank and the locking claw, but the locking protrusions and retaining pieces of the multiple support pieces surround the shank, preventing the shank from tipping over relative to the grommet.

[0008] In the above aspect, each of the holding pieces may be disposed at a position farther from the main body portion than the tip of the first piece portion.

[0009] According to this aspect, the holding piece can hold the shaft portion on the tip side of the first piece portion, and the shaft portion is more appropriately prevented from falling over relative to the grommet.

[0010] In the above aspect, the plurality of support pieces may include a pair of support pieces, and in a cross section perpendicular to the axis, the pair of holding pieces may be arranged to form a frame shape surrounding the small diameter portion.

[0011] According to this aspect, the shaft portion is more appropriately prevented from falling relative to the grommet.

[0012] In the above aspect, the second piece may be inclined toward the shaft portion as it extends toward the tip end, and the holding piece may be positioned closer to the shaft portion than the base end of the second piece.

[0013] According to this aspect, the holding piece can be brought closer to the shaft portion, and the shaft portion is more appropriately prevented from falling relative to the grommet.

[0014] In the above aspect, the second engagement portion may include a plurality of recesses (34A) arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion, and the bottom of each of the recesses may be provided with an inclined surface (34B) whose depth becomes shallower toward the circumferential direction of the shaft portion.

[0015] According to this aspect, when the shaft portion rotates, the locking projection slides on the inclined surface and can be released from the second engagement portion.

[0016] In the above aspect, a first cam (41) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the shaft portion, and a second cam (42) that abuts against the first cam is provided on the main body portion, and when the shaft portion rotates in a predetermined rotational direction, each of the locking protrusions slides on the corresponding inclined surface and disengages from the recess, and the first cam and the second cam slide against each other, causing the shaft portion to move in a direction disengaging from the receiving hole, and each of the retaining pieces may extend in the rotational direction from the corresponding second piece.

[0017] According to this aspect, the tip of the holding piece is prevented from getting caught on the shaft portion.

[0018] In the above aspect, the main body of the grommet may be integrally formed with a bracket that supports a radar (5), and the panel may be a vehicle body panel.

[0019] According to this aspect, the radar bracket can be connected to the vehicle body by the clip.

[0020] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a clip that can maintain an appropriate fastening state regardless of the material.

[0021] 13A side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the reference hole, viewed from the Y direction; 13B side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the sub-hole, viewed from the Y direction; 13C section of the clip inserted into the sub-hole, viewed from the Y direction; 13D side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the sub-hole, viewed from the Y direction; 13D side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the sub-hole, viewed from the Y direction;

[0022] An embodiment of a clip 1 and a fastening structure 2 having the clip 1 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1 , the fastening structure 2 has a plate-shaped panel 3, a bracket 4, and a plurality of clips 1 that fasten the bracket 4 to the panel 3. The bracket 4 supports a radar 5 such as a millimeter-wave radar. Instead of the radar 5, the bracket 4 may support other electrical devices such as a sensor. The panel 3 to which the bracket 4 is attached may be, for example, a body panel of an automobile or a stay connected to the body panel. In this embodiment, the panel 3 is a stay.

[0023] A plurality of fastening holes 7 are formed in the panel 3. Each fastening hole 7 penetrates the panel 3 in the thickness direction. The fastening holes 7 may be formed in the left and right corners of the front end of the automobile or the left and right corners of the rear end. The plurality of fastening holes 7 include one reference hole 7A and at least one sub-hole 7B. In this embodiment, one reference hole 7A and three sub-holes 7B are formed in the panel 3.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B is formed in a quadrangle. Each of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B has a pair of first sides 11 facing each other and a pair of second sides 12 facing each other. The first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B extend in the same direction. The second sides 12 of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B extend in the same direction. The first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B preferably extend in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The second sides 12 of the reference hole 7A preferably extend in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The first sides 11 and the second sides 12 are perpendicular to each other. In the reference hole 7A, the first sides 11 and the second sides 12 preferably have the same length. That is, the reference hole 7A is formed in a square. In the sub-hole 7B, the length of the first side 11 is preferably longer than the length of the second side 12. That is, the sub-hole 7B is formed in a rectangular shape. The reference hole 7A and the three sub-holes 7B are preferably arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle.

[0025] 1, the bracket 4 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and is disposed parallel to the panel 3. The radar 5 is supported on a central portion 4A of the bracket 4. The central portion 4A of the bracket 4 may be provided with a support wall or elastic claws for supporting the bracket 4.

[0026] The bracket 4 is connected to the panel 3 via a plurality of clips 1. In this embodiment, four clips 1 are provided at the four corners of the bracket 4. Each clip 1 has the same structure except for some components described below. Therefore, one clip 1 will be described and the description of the other clips 1 will be applied.

[0027] 1 and 3, the clip 1 includes a grommet 15 and a pin 16. The bracket 4 and the grommets 15 are preferably made of a resin material having a relatively high rigidity. The bracket 4 and the grommets 15 are preferably made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, such as polybutylene terephthalate containing glass fiber. The pin 16 is preferably made of a resin material having a higher flexibility than the bracket 4. The pin 16 is preferably made of polyacetal, for example.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7, the grommet 15 includes a main body 22 having a receiving hole 21, and a plurality of locking claws 24 and a plurality of support pieces 25 extending from the periphery of the receiving hole 21 in the main body 22 along the axis A of the receiving hole 21. The direction parallel to the axis A is defined as the Z direction. The main body 22 is formed in a disk shape and has a first surface 22A facing the panel 3 and a second surface 22B opposite the first surface 22A. The axis A of the receiving hole 21 coincides with the axis A of the main body 22. The receiving hole 21 penetrates the main body 22 from the first surface 22A to the second surface 22B. The main body 22 is formed integrally with the bracket 4. The main body 22 may be connected to the bracket 4 at its outer periphery 22D. The second surface 22B of the main body 22 is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 26 centered on the axis A. The bracket 4 may also be connected to the peripheral wall 26 .

[0029] A plurality of lightening holes 27 are formed in appropriate positions in the main body 22. The plurality of lightening holes 27 preferably penetrate from the first surface 22A to the second surface 22B. The plurality of lightening holes 27 extend in the circumferential direction about the axis A and divide the main body 22 into a central portion 22C and an outer peripheral portion 22D. The central portion 22C and the outer peripheral portion 22D are connected to each other by a plurality of beam portions 28 provided between adjacent lightening holes 27. When viewed in the direction along the axis A, the outer shape of the central portion 22C is formed to be square.

[0030] The receiving hole 21 is formed in the central portion 22C. In this embodiment, the receiving hole 21 has a square cross-sectional shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving hole 21 may be circular or rectangular. The receiving hole 21 forms the central portion 22C into a cylindrical shape.

[0031] In this embodiment, a pair of locking claws 24 and a pair of support pieces 25 are provided on the first surface 22A of the main body 22. The pair of locking claws 24 face each other across the axis A in the X direction perpendicular to the axis A. The pair of support pieces 25 face each other across the axis A in the Y direction perpendicular to the axis A and the X direction.

[0032] Each of the locking pawls 24 has a first piece 24A extending from the main body 22 parallel to the axis A, and a pawl 24B protruding from the tip of the first piece 24A on the side opposite the receiving hole 21. Each first piece 24A is formed in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the X direction. The tip of each first piece 24A can be displaced in the X direction by elastic deformation.

[0033] Each support piece 25 has a second arm 25A extending parallel to the axis A from the main body 22 and a locking projection 25B protruding from the tip of the second arm 25A toward the receiving hole 21. Each support piece 25 may also have a pair of pillars 25C extending parallel to the axis A from the main body 22 and a pair of connecting portions 25D connecting the second arm 25A to the pair of pillars 25C. In the X direction, the second arm 25A is disposed between the pair of pillars 25C via a pair of slits 25E. The pair of connecting portions 25D extend in the X direction and connect the second arm 25A to the corresponding pillars 25C. The connecting portions 25D are also connected to the central portion 22C. Each slit 25E is defined by the second arm 25A, the pillars 25C, and the connecting portions 25D. The slit 25E allows the second arm 25A and the pillar 25C to flex independently of each other.

[0034] The tip of each pillar portion 25C is farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of the first arm portion 24A. The tip of the second arm portion 25A is farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of each pillar portion 25C. The tip of each second arm portion 25A is inclined toward the axis A. A retaining piece 29 extending in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A is provided at the tip of each second arm portion 25A. Each of the retaining pieces 29 is positioned farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of the first arm portion 24A. Furthermore, each of the retaining pieces 29 is positioned farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of each pillar portion 25C.

[0035] Each retaining piece 29 has a first portion 29A extending in the X direction from the tip of the second piece 25A and a second portion 29B extending in the Y direction from one end of the first portion 29A. In a cross section perpendicular to the axis A, the pair of retaining pieces 29 are arranged to form a frame shape surrounding the small diameter portion 31B. The frame shape may be rectangular. Each retaining piece 29 may extend counterclockwise from the corresponding second piece 25A around the axis A. The circumferential direction (rotational direction) is based on the state viewed from the base end side (main body 22 side) along the axis A. Each retaining piece 29 is arranged closer to the shaft 31 than the base end of the second piece 25A.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5 , the pin 16 has a shank 31 that is inserted into the receiving hole 21. The shank 31 inserted into the receiving hole 21 is arranged coaxially with the axis A. The base end of the shank 31 protrudes from the second surface 22B, and the tip end of the shank 31 protrudes from the first surface 22A. The shank 31 has a large diameter portion 31A provided on the base end side and a small diameter portion 31B provided distally of the large diameter portion 31A and having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 31A. A tapered portion 31C is provided between the large diameter portion 31A and the small diameter portion 31B, the diameter of which gradually increases from the small diameter portion 31B toward the large diameter portion 31A. The small diameter portion 31B has a first engagement portion 33 provided distally and a second engagement portion 34 provided closer to the large diameter portion 31A than the first engagement portion 33.

[0037] The first engagement portion 33 includes a plurality of first recesses 33A arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 31. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion 33 includes four first recesses 33A. Each first recess 33A is recessed toward the center of the shaft portion 31 and extends toward the base end. The depth of each first recess 33A becomes shallower toward the base end.

[0038] The second engagement portion 34 includes a plurality of second recesses 34A arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 31. In the present embodiment, the second engagement portion 34 includes four second recesses 34A. Each second recess 34A is recessed toward the center of the shaft portion 31. An inclined surface 34B that becomes shallower in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 31 is provided at the bottom of each second recess 34A.

[0039] A disk-shaped flange 35 is provided at the base end of the shaft portion 31. The flange 35 is thin and flexible. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 , an inner hole 37 is formed inside the shaft portion 31. The inner hole 37 extends from the end face of the base end toward the tip side along the axis A. The inner hole 37 may pass through the large diameter portion 31A and the tapered portion 31C and reach the small diameter portion 31B. A tool engagement portion 38 is formed at the opening of the inner hole 37, i.e., on the end face of the base end of the shaft portion 31. The tool engagement portion 38 may be formed to be engageable with a tool such as a Phillips screwdriver or a flathead screwdriver.

[0040] 5, a first cam 41 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the shaft portion 31. In this embodiment, two first cams 41 are arranged at 180-degree intervals around the axis A. Each first cam 41 is formed on an inclined surface that protrudes toward the main body portion 22 in the clockwise direction of the pin 16. It is preferable that each first cam 41 is provided at the boundary between the shaft portion 31 and the flange 35.

[0041] 6 and 9 , the main body 22 is provided with second cams 42 that abut against the first cam 41. In this embodiment, four second cams 42 are arranged on the second surface 22B of the main body 22 at 90-degree intervals around the axis A. Each second cam 42 protrudes from the second surface 22B and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis A.

[0042] The pin 16 is movable between a temporary locking position and a fastening position relative to the grommet 15. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with the first engagement portion 33. Specifically, when the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with one of the first recesses 33A of the first engagement portion 33. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the pin 16 is in the fastening position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with the second engagement portion 34. Specifically, when the pin 16 is in the fastening position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with one of the second recesses 34A of the second engagement portion 34. The state in which the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position is referred to as the temporary locking state of the clip 1. The state in which the pin 16 is in the fastening position is referred to as the fastened state of the clip 1.

[0043] The operation and function of the clip 1 will be described below. Before attaching the bracket 4 to the panel 3, the worker temporarily fastens each clip 1. The worker can temporarily fasten the clip 1 by inserting the shank 31 of the pin 16 into the receiving hole 21 of the grommet 15 from the second surface 22B side. At this time, the tip of the shank 31 abuts against each locking protrusion 25B, elastically deforming each second arm 25A outward. When the first engaging portion 33 reaches each locking protrusion 25B, each locking protrusion 25B enters the corresponding first recess 33A, and each second arm 25A returns to its initial state. This returns the clip 1 to its initial state.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 6, when the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position, each of the first pieces 24A faces the small diameter portion 31B with a gap therebetween, allowing it to be displaced toward the shaft 31. Also, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the pair of retaining pieces 29 are arranged to surround the tip of the shaft 31 and maintain the posture of the shaft 31. This prevents the shaft 31 from tipping over relative to the grommet 15. As shown in Fig. 6, the flange 35 is spaced from the end face of the peripheral wall 26 of the grommet 15. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, when the clip 1 is in the temporary locking state, each of the first cams 41 is spaced from the plurality of second cams 42.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6 , the clip 1 in the temporarily fastened state is inserted into the coupling hole 7, which is the reference hole 7A or the sub-hole 7B. At this time, the claw portions 24B of each locking claw 24 are pressed against the edge of the coupling hole 7, and each first piece 24A is elastically deformed toward the shaft portion 31. This allows each locking claw 24 to pass through the coupling hole 7. Once each claw portion 24B passes through the coupling hole 7, each first piece 24A returns to its initial state, and each claw portion 24B locks onto the edge of the coupling hole 7. This temporarily fastens the clip 1 to the coupling hole 7. With the clip 1 temporarily fastened to the coupling hole 7, the four pillar portions 25C are positioned at the four corners of the coupling hole 7.

[0046] When the pin 16 is pushed into the fastening position by an operator or machine while the clip 1 is temporarily fastened in the fastening hole 7, the clip 1 enters a fastened state as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 . At this time, each locking protrusion 25B slides within the first recess 33A and reaches the second recess 34A connected to the first recess 33A. As shown in FIG. 11 , each first recess 33A becomes shallower toward the base end. Therefore, when each locking protrusion 25B slides within the opposing first recess 33A, each second piece 25A elastically deforms radially outward of the shaft 31. When each locking protrusion 25B enters the second recess 34A, each second piece 25A returns to its initial state. At the boundary between each first recess 33A and the corresponding second recess 34A, the second recess 34A is deeper than the first recess 33A. Therefore, each locking protrusion 25B can slide from the first recess 33A to the second recess 34A, but cannot slide from the second recess 34A to the first recess 33A, thereby maintaining the pin 16 in the fastened position.

[0047] 10 , when the pin 16 is in the fastening position, each of the first pieces 24A abuts against the large diameter portion 31A, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion 31. This prevents each of the claws 24B from passing through the coupling hole 7, and the clip 1 is maintained in a state coupled to the coupling hole 7. When the pin 16 is in the fastening position, the flange 35 is in close contact with the end surface of the peripheral wall 26 of the grommet 15, covering the second surface 22B of the main body 22.

[0048] An operator can change the clip 1 from the fastened state to the provisionally fastened state by inserting a tool into the tool engagement portion 38 and rotating the pin 16 counterclockwise. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , counterclockwise rotation of the pin 16 causes each locking protrusion 25B to slide circumferentially along the inclined surface 34B of the corresponding second recess 34A and disengage from the second recess 34A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15 , the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 slide against each other, causing the shaft 31 to move in a direction disengaging from the receiving hole 21. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 , each locking protrusion 25B slides along the outer surface of the small-diameter portion 31B and moves toward the first recess 33A. This places the clip 1 in a provisionally fastened state. When the clip 1 is in the provisionally fastened state, an operator can pull the clip 1 out of the coupling hole 7. At this time, the pair of locking claws 24 are pushed by the edge of the coupling hole 7 and elastically deformed toward the shaft portion 31 , thereby being able to pass through the coupling hole 7 .

[0049] The clip 1 according to the embodiment can maintain an appropriate fastening state regardless of the material. When the pin 16 is in the provisional fastening position, the locking claw 24 can be displaced toward the shank 31, allowing the locking claw 24 to pass through the coupling hole 7. When the pin 16 is in the fastening position, the locking claw 24 cannot be displaced toward the shank 31, allowing the locking claw 24 to remain engaged with the coupling hole 7. When the pin 16 is in the fastening position, the locking claw 24 is not deformed, thereby suppressing plastic deformation of the locking claw 24. This allows the grommet 15 to be made of a material with relatively high rigidity, such as fiber-reinforced resin. Furthermore, when the pin 16 is in the provisional fastening position, a gap is formed between the shank 31 and the locking claw 24, but the locking protrusions 25B of the multiple support pieces 25 and the retaining pieces 29 surround the shank 31, preventing the shank 31 from tipping over relative to the grommet 15.

[0050] Because the retaining piece 29 holds the shank 31 on the tip side of the first piece 24A, the shank 31 is more appropriately prevented from tipping relative to the grommet 15. Because the retaining piece 29 is arranged to surround the tip of the shank 31, it is possible to restrict tipping of the shank 31 in various directions. Furthermore, because the retaining piece 29 extends counterclockwise around the axis A, the tip of the retaining piece 29 is prevented from getting caught on the shank 31 even if the shank 31 rotates counterclockwise when releasing the clip 1 from the fastened state. This allows the pin 16 to rotate smoothly.

[0051] The inner hole 37 formed inside the shaft portion 31 allows the shaft portion 31 to easily deform elastically, which makes it easier for the worker to push the shaft portion 31 from the temporary fastening position to the fastening position.

[0052] Next, the relationship between each clip 1 and the reference hole 7A and the three sub-holes 7B will be described. The pair of locking claws 24 of the clip 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B engages with the pair of first sides 11 of the sub-hole 7B. That is, the displacement directions of the locking claws 24 of the grommets 15 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. That is, the X directions of the clips 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. In this embodiment, the pair of locking claws 24 of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A also engage with the first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A.

[0053] The pair of support pieces 25 of the clip 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B face the pair of second sides 12 of the sub-hole 7B. That is, the Y directions of the clips 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. In this embodiment, the pair of support pieces 25 of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A also face the second sides 12 of the reference hole 7A.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows the support piece 25 of a clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A. FIG. 17 shows the support piece 25 of a clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the distance from the tip of the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B to the connecting portion 25D is greater than the distance from the tip of the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A to the connecting portion 25D. That is, the width of the connecting portion 25D of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B in the direction along the axis A is smaller than the width of the connecting portion 25D of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A in the direction along the axis A. Furthermore, the length of the slit 25E of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B is longer than the length of the slit 25E of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A. As a result, the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B has higher flexibility than the post 25C inserted into the reference hole 7A.

[0055] Due to manufacturing errors, the distance between the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A and the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B may deviate in the direction (vertical direction) along the second side 12 relative to the distance between the reference hole 7A and each sub-hole 7B. In this case, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the locking claw 24 and the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B elastically deform and tilt, allowing the locking claw 24 and the post 25C to be inserted into the sub-hole 7B. At this time, the locking claw 24 and the post 25C abut against the edge of the sub-hole 7B, allowing the clip 1 to be fastened to the sub-hole 7B without rattle. In this way, the locking claws 24 of the clips 1 inserted into each sub-hole 7B are displaceable in the same direction, allowing for manufacturing errors in the displacement direction of each locking claw 24 of each clip 1. Because the locking claw 24 of each clip 1 abuts against the edge of the corresponding sub-hole 7B, the stability of the fastening structure 2 is improved.

[0056] 18, a recess 24C is formed in the portion of the tip of first piece 24A facing shank 31, the recess 24C being recessed in the opposite direction to shank 31. Recess 24C increases the gap between first piece 24A and shank 31, allowing first piece 24A to be displaced toward shank 31 when pin 16 is in the temporary fastening position.

[0057] The inner hole 37 has the effect of increasing the flexibility of the shaft 31. As a result, even if the locking claw 24 inserted into the sub-hole 7B is tilted, the large diameter portion 31A of the shaft 31 deforms toward the center, allowing the pin 16 to move from the temporary fastening position to the fastening position.

[0058] It is preferable that the connection portion 25D of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A protrudes into the reference hole 7A. This suppresses deformation of the pillar portion 25C and positions the clip 1 in the correct position relative to the reference hole 7A. Furthermore, because the four pillar portions 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A are positioned at the four corners of the reference hole 7A, the clip 1 is positioned in the correct position relative to the reference hole 7A.

[0059] The first side 11 of the sub-hole 7B is larger than the width of the clip 1 in the direction along the first side 11. Therefore, the clip 1 can move in the sub-hole 7B in the direction along the first side 11. Due to manufacturing errors, the distance between the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A and the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B may deviate in the direction along the first side 11 (left-right direction) relative to the distance between the reference hole 7A and each sub-hole 7B. In this case, the clip 1 moves in the direction along the first side 11 in the sub-hole 7B to accommodate the manufacturing error.

[0060] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified. For example, the orientation of the panel 3, and the positions and number of the reference holes 7A and sub-holes 7B on the panel 3 may be changed as desired. Furthermore, the positions and number of the clips 1 on the bracket 4 may be changed as desired.

[0061] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Clip 2: Fastening structure 3: Panel 4: Bracket 7: Coupling hole 7A: Reference hole 7B: Sub-hole 11: First side portion 12: Second side portion 15: Grommet 16: Pin 21: Receiving hole 22: Main body portion 24: Locking claw 24A: First piece portion 24B: Claw portion 24C: Recessed portion 25: Support piece 25A: Second piece portion 25B: Locking protrusion portion 25C: Pillar portion 25D: Connection portion 25E: Slit 29: Holding piece 29A: First portion 29B: Second portion 31: Shaft portion 31A: Large diameter portion 31B: Small diameter portion 33: First engaging portion 33A: First recessed portion 34 : Second engagement portion 34A : Second recess 34B : Inclined surface 41 : First cam 42 : Second cam

Claims

1. A clip for connecting to a panel having a coupling hole, comprising: a body having a receiving hole; a grommet having a plurality of locking claws and a plurality of support pieces extending from the periphery of the receiving hole in the body along the axis of the receiving hole; and a pin having a shaft for insertion into the receiving hole, the shaft having a large diameter portion provided on the base end side and a small diameter portion provided on the tip side of the large diameter portion and having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion, the small diameter portion having a first engagement portion provided on the tip side and a second engagement portion provided on the large diameter portion side of the first engagement portion, each of the locking claws having a first piece portion extending from the body portion parallel to the axis of the receiving hole and a claw portion protruding from the tip of the first piece portion to the side opposite the receiving hole, each of the support pieces having a second piece portion extending from the body portion parallel to the axis of the receiving hole and a locking protrusion protruding from the tip of the second piece portion towards the receiving hole, A clip in which the pin is movable relative to the grommet between a temporary locking position in which each of the locking protrusions is engaged with the first engagement portion and a fastening position in which each of the locking protrusions is engaged with the second engagement portion, when the pin is in the temporary locking position, each of the first pieces faces the small diameter portion across a gap, thereby allowing it to be displaced toward the shaft portion, when the pin is in the fastening position, each of the first pieces abuts against the large diameter portion, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion, and a retaining piece extending circumferentially around the axis is provided at the tip of each of the second pieces.

2. A clip according to claim 1, wherein each of said holding pieces is positioned farther from said main body portion than the tip of said first piece portion.

3. A clip as set forth in claim 2, wherein said plurality of support pieces include a pair of said support pieces, and in a cross section perpendicular to said axis, said pair of holding pieces are arranged so as to form a frame surrounding said small diameter portion.

4. A clip as described in claim 3, wherein the second piece is inclined towards the shaft as it moves towards the tip, and the retaining piece is positioned closer to the shaft than the base end of the second piece.

5. A clip as described in claim 1, wherein the second engagement portion includes a plurality of recesses arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion, and the bottom of each of the recesses is provided with an inclined surface whose depth decreases toward the circumferential direction of the shaft portion.

6. A clip as described in claim 5, wherein a first cam is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the shaft, a second cam is provided on the main body which abuts against the first cam, and when the shaft rotates in a predetermined rotational direction, each of the engaging protrusions slides along the corresponding inclined surface and disengages from the corresponding recess, and the first cam and the second cam slide against each other, moving the shaft in a direction disengaging from the receiving hole, and each of the retaining pieces extends in the rotational direction from the corresponding second piece.

7. A clip as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body of the grommet is integrally formed with a bracket that supports a radar, and the panel is a vehicle body panel.

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